Namhoon Kim is a research intern at the Committee for Human Rights in North Korea (HRNK). Originally from Gwangju, South Korea, he is currently a senior at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, majoring in International Relations with an emphasis on East Asian Studies.

Since childhood, Namhoon has traveled extensively to countries including France, Italy, Spain, Japan, China, and the United States. These experiences inspired his career goals in diplomacy, international law, and international politics, and fostered his curiosity about global affairs as well as his desire to contribute meaningfully to the international community.

Prior to college, Namhoon served as a full-time volunteer for his church in Auckland, New Zealand, and Seoul, South Korea. He also served in the Republic of Korea Army in Gyeryong as a heavy vehicle driver. During college, he studied abroad in Taichung, Taiwan, immersing himself in Taiwanese culture and cultivating Mandarin language skills. He also participated in the 2024 National Model United Nations in New York, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the workings of the United Nations.

Through these varied experiences, Namhoon sought to deepen his knowledge of international issues, particularly involving the U.S., China, and the Korean Peninsula, while developing professional skills through his internship at HRNK. During his time at HRNK, he hopes to further his understanding of North Korean human rights issues by researching publications, writing articles on topics such as reunification, defection, and denuclearization, and attending forums and events to engage with experts and professionals.

Ultimately, Namhoon aspires to contribute to the unification of the Korean Peninsula, believing it is a key step toward addressing the ongoing challenges in North Korea today.