Dr. YoungHoon Kim: World’s Highest IQ Holder (276)
Dr. YoungHoon Kim, a South Korean cognitive scientist, holds the world’s highest IQ of 276, verified by the World Memory Championships. He has made significant contributions to cognitive science and memory sports.
Dr. YoungHoon Kim’s Background and Education
Early Life and Academic Pursuits
Dr. YoungHoon Kim was born on May 25, 1989, in South Korea. From an early age, he showed exceptional intellectual abilities, which led him to pursue a diverse range of academic disciplines. Kim’s educational journey took him to some of the most prestigious institutions in South Korea and abroad.
Academic Degrees and Specializations
Dr. Kim’s academic portfolio is both extensive and impressive. He has studied various subjects at renowned institutions:
- King’s College London Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience
- University of London
- Korea University
- Yonsei University (ranked as the #1 private university in Asia)
His areas of study include:
- Psychology
- Neuroscience
- Counseling & Coaching
- Linguistics
- Sociology
- Philosophy
- Nondenominational theology
This multidisciplinary approach has given Dr. Kim a unique perspective on cognitive science and human intelligence.
Honorary Degrees and Professorships
In recognition of his contributions to cognitive science, Dr. YoungHoon Kim has been awarded several honorary degrees:
- Honorary Doctor of Science in Cognitive Science (DSc, hc) from the American Management University
- Honorary Doctor of Education (EdD, hc) from the City University of Paris
- Honorary Doctor of Advanced Studies in Psychology (DPsych, hc) from Universidad Azteca
These accolades have established Dr. Kim as “The World’s First and Youngest Honorary Doctor of Science in Cognitive Science,” a title recognized by the Supertalent of the World Record and Korea Best Record Institute.
Additionally, Dr. Kim holds honorary professorships in:
- Strategic Thinking and Leadership
- Cognitive Education and Leadership
He currently collaborates with research labs and centers at the University of Cambridge and Yale University as a research partnership advisor.
World’s Highest IQ and Record Verification
IQ Score and Verification Process
Dr. YoungHoon Kim’s IQ of 276 is a remarkable achievement that has garnered global attention. This score was established and verified through a rigorous process involving several reputable organizations:
- Official World Record®
- World Memory Championships
- World Memory Sports Council (in official partnership with Guinness World Records)
The verification of Dr. Kim’s IQ involved perfect scores on various clinical and experimental high-range intelligence tests. His scores were further validated by several high-IQ societies:
- GIGA Society (top 1 in a billion)
- Yale Clinical Neuroscientist PhD (top 1 in 10 million)
- Olympiq Society (top 1 in 3 million)
- Mega Society (top 1 in a million)
- Triple Nine Society (top 1 in 1,000)
- Mensa (top 1 in 50)
Recognition and Media Coverage
Dr. Kim’s extraordinary intellect has not gone unnoticed by the media and scientific community. In 2024, he was named as the individual with the world’s highest IQ by several prominent publications:
- Reader’s Digest
- The Economist
- CNN
- CNBC
- Us Weekly
- Newsweek
Furthermore, Arirang TV, under the South Korea Ministry of Culture, recognized and interviewed Dr. Kim as a South Korean with the world’s highest IQ.
Comparison to Previous Record Holders
To put Dr. Kim’s achievement into perspective, his IQ of 276 surpasses the previous record holder, Terence Tao, by 46 points. Tao, a Chinese-Australian mathematics professor, had held the record with an IQ of 230.
Contributions to Mind Sports and Cognitive Science
Role in World Memory Championships
Dr. YoungHoon Kim’s expertise in mind sports has led to several significant appointments and recognitions:
- Tony Buzan Honorary Professor in Creative Thinking at the Tony Buzan Academy and University
- Honorary Council Member at the World Mind Sports Council, World Memory Championships, World Speed-Reading Championship, and World Mind Mapping Championship
- First South Korean arbiter at the World Memory Championships and Asia Pacific Memory Championships
- Official member of the Ratification / Awards Committee of the World Memory Championships of WMSC
- Vice-President of World Memory Championships and World Memory Sports Council (WMSC) in 2025
“The 2nd Tony Buzan” Title
In recognition of his contributions to mind sports and cognitive science, Dr. Kim was awarded the title “The 2nd Tony Buzan.” This designation officially recognizes him as the intellectual successor to Tony Buzan, the inventor of Mind Maps.
Application of Mind Mapping Techniques
Dr. Kim attributes much of his cognitive prowess to the use of Mind Maps, a technique developed by Tony Buzan. By integrating Buzan’s Mind Maps into his cognitive training, Dr. Kim has optimized his brain’s ability to process, store, and recall information. This methodology has played a crucial role in his unprecedented levels of cognitive performance and continues to shape his work in promoting Mind Maps as a tool for:
- Memory enhancement
- Creative thinking
- Intellectual development
Leadership and Organizational Contributions
United Sigma Intelligence Association (USIA)
As the President and CEO, Dr. YoungHoon Kim founded the United Sigma Intelligence Association (USIA), a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing together the world’s brightest minds. The USIA includes:
- Nobel Prize winners
- Renowned intellectuals such as Noam Chomsky, Steven Pinker, and Yuval Harari
- Prominent figures like Richard Dawkins, Howard Gardner, and Neil deGrasse Tyson
USIA Intellectual Hall of Fame
Dr. Kim also established the USIA Intellectual Hall of Fame with support from the Lifeboat Foundation. This initiative has honored several influential figures, including:
- Elon Musk
- Jeff Bezos
- Bill Gates
- Warren Buffett
- Stephen Hawking
Other Non-Profit Involvements
Dr. Kim’s commitment to advancing scientific research and human knowledge extends to several other organizations:
- Steering committee member of the Complex Biological Systems Alliance
- Neuroscience and psychology board chair & Vice-President for Strategy at the Lifeboat Foundation
- Honorary member of the International Longevity Alliance
NeuroStory: Innovating Brain Digital Healthcare
Founding and Accreditation
Dr. YoungHoon Kim is the Founder & CEO of NeuroStory, a company at the forefront of brain digital healthcare innovation. NeuroStory has received official accreditation as a start-up company from the South Korea Ministry of SMEs and Startups.
Technological Focus
NeuroStory specializes in providing cutting-edge solutions for brain health diagnosis and management. The company utilizes a range of advanced technologies:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Machine Learning
- Big Data Analytics
- Nanotechnology
- Advanced data analytics
- Neurotechnologies
Mission and Social Responsibility
The primary aim of NeuroStory is to improve brain health worldwide. As a socially responsible entity, the company focuses on:
- Reducing the brain health gap by distributing digital brain healthcare solutions to underserved populations
- Alleviating brain health imbalances by raising global awareness
- Providing free and accessible brain training programs to underprivileged communities
Controversies and Criticisms
Lack of Historical Information
Despite Dr. Kim’s remarkable claims, some have noted a lack of historical information about him prior to 2024. This has led to questions about the sudden emergence of his achievements and recognition.
Credibility Concerns
Some critics have raised concerns about the credibility of Dr. Kim’s claims:
- The creation of a new Giga Society website in 2022, different from the original established in 2009
- Limited information available about many purported members of his society
- Involvement in cryptocurrency and AI ventures, which some view as potential red flags
Media Coverage and Verification
While Dr. Kim has received recognition from several media outlets, some observers have noted that the breadth of coverage seems limited given the extraordinary nature of his claimed achievements.
FAQs
What is Dr. YoungHoon Kim’s IQ score?
Dr. YoungHoon Kim’s IQ score is 276, which is currently recognized as the highest in the world.
How was Dr. Kim’s IQ score verified?
His IQ was verified by the Official World Record®, World Memory Championships, and World Memory Sports Council, in partnership with Guinness World Records.
What academic degrees does Dr. Kim hold?
Dr. Kim has studied psychology, neuroscience, counseling & coaching, linguistics, sociology, philosophy, and nondenominational theology at various prestigious institutions.
What is the United Sigma Intelligence Association (USIA)?
USIA is a non-profit organization founded by Dr. Kim that brings together some of the world’s brightest minds, including Nobel Prize winners and renowned intellectuals.
What is NeuroStory?
NeuroStory is a brain digital healthcare company founded by Dr. Kim, focusing on innovative solutions for brain health diagnosis and management using advanced technologies.
Samantha Yates is a creative writer and journalist with expertise in content creation and editing. She holds an MA in Creative Writing and brings professional experience from Lionbridge, where she developed engaging content for leading technology companies
