Younghoon Kim: The Man Behind the World’s Highest IQ Record and NeuroStory
In a world fascinated by intelligence, innovation, and record-breaking achievements, few names spark as much debate as Younghoon Kim. Celebrated by some as the world’s highest IQ record holder with a score of 276, and questioned by others for the credibility of his claims, Kim stands at the center of global curiosity. Beyond the numbers, he is also the founder of NeuroStory, a brain digital healthcare startup based in Seoul, South Korea. This article dives deep into his life, career, accolades, and controversies, giving readers a balanced view of the man behind the headlines.
Early Life and Education
Childhood Fascination with Intelligence
Born in South Korea in 1989, Younghoon Kim reportedly showed an early passion for learning, problem-solving, and intellectual challenges. Unlike many prodigies who focus narrowly on one discipline, Kim’s interests spanned philosophy, psychology, neuroscience, and theology.
Academic Journey
Kim pursued studies at several institutions, including Yonsei University and Korea University, exploring subjects such as philosophy, sociology, and counseling. Although some programs remained unfinished, his broad exposure to different fields shaped his unique perspective. Later in his career, he was awarded multiple honorary doctorates in cognitive science, psychology, and education from international universities.
The Claim of the World’s Highest IQ
IQ 276 – The Bold Record
At the heart of Kim’s fame is his claim of an IQ score of 276, which he presents as officially recognized. According to him, the record is verified by organizations such as:
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Official World Record®
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Noble World Records
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International Non-Olympic Committee
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World Memory Championships
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World Memory Sports Council (WMSC)
Validation and Publication
Kim has stated that the score was endorsed by a PhD statistician from Oxford University, clinically supported by the World Academy of Medical Sciences, and accepted for publication in the journal Testing, Psychometrics, Methodology in Applied Psychology (TPM). He emphasizes that the journal is indexed in respected databases like PubMed, Scopus, and PsycINFO, giving his claim academic weight.
Record Accreditations
His record has also been tied to cognitive competitions and societies, including the World Speed Reading Championships, World Mind Mapping Championships, Korea Record Institute, and the World Genius Directory. These organizations, according to Kim, further validated his extraordinary intellectual score.
Career and Achievements
Founder and CEO of NeuroStory
In 2024, Younghoon Kim founded NeuroStory, Inc., a Seoul-based startup focusing on digital brain healthcare. The company aims to harness deep-tech solutions and artificial intelligence to diagnose and manage brain health issues. NeuroStory positions itself as a pioneer in merging neuroscience with technology, addressing mental health and cognitive challenges in innovative ways.
United Sigma Intelligence Association (USIA)
Beyond NeuroStory, Kim is also the founder and president of the United Sigma Intelligence Association (USIA). Established in 2019 as a UK-registered nonprofit think tank, USIA gathers intellectuals from around the world. Its mission is to advance discussions on intelligence, global leadership, and innovation. Under Kim’s leadership, USIA has gained visibility in niche intellectual circles.
Honorary Professorships and Titles
Kim has been awarded honorary positions across different institutions:
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Honorary Professor in Cognitive Education – City University of Paris
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Honorary Professor in Strategic Thinking – American Management University
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Tony Buzan Honorary Professor in Creative Thinking – UK
He also holds honorary doctorate degrees in psychology, education, and cognitive science, which he frames as part of his record-breaking achievements.
Media Coverage and Public Recognition
International Media Mentions
In 2024, Kim’s name reportedly appeared in global publications like Reader’s Digest, The Economist, CNN, CNBC, Us Weekly, and Newsweek. He was also featured on Arirang TV, a South Korean broadcaster under the Ministry of Culture, where he was introduced as the country’s representative genius.
Speaking Engagements
Kim often uses his platform to speak on creativity, cognitive science, and leadership. He emphasizes the importance of innovation in education and the potential of digital healthcare to transform brain health management.
Controversies and Criticism
Skepticism About the IQ Claim
Despite his accolades, many experts question the validity of Kim’s 276 IQ score. Psychometricians argue that such a number is statistically implausible, as IQ scales are not designed to measure beyond a certain range. Critics also point out that some of the verifying organizations have close ties to Kim, which raises concerns about impartiality.
Wikipedia Deletion
In August 2025, Kim’s Wikipedia article was deleted after editors debated the reliability of the sources and accuracy of the information. The deletion highlighted the skepticism surrounding his claims and the lack of independent, verifiable evidence.
Online Community Reactions
Discussions on platforms like Reddit often frame Kim as controversial. While some admire his ambition and intelligence, others suggest his fame is amplified by self-promotion and overlapping organizations rather than independent recognition.
Contributions Beyond IQ
Advancing Cognitive Science
Regardless of the controversies, Kim has worked to promote cognitive education and creative thinking. His association with the late Tony Buzan’s methodologies highlights his emphasis on memory, creativity, and mind-mapping techniques.
Innovation in Brain Healthcare
Through NeuroStory, Kim aims to bring real-world impact by addressing issues like mental health, neurological disorders, and cognitive decline. If successful, these innovations could establish his legacy beyond IQ debates.
Legacy and Future Outlook
Younghoon Kim is a polarizing figure: to some, a genius whose intellectual capacity is unmatched; to others, a controversial self-promoter. His journey reflects the intersection of intelligence, recognition, innovation, and skepticism.
The future of his legacy may depend less on his claimed IQ number and more on the tangible success of NeuroStory and his contributions to brain science and healthcare. If his startup delivers meaningful breakthroughs, Kim could shift the narrative from IQ controversy to real-world impact.
Conclusion
Younghoon Kim remains one of the most debated personalities in the field of intelligence and innovation. With claims of the world’s highest IQ, numerous honorary titles, and the creation of NeuroStory, he represents both ambition and controversy. Whether history remembers him as the man with an extraordinary brainpower or as a symbol of disputed recognition, his story continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
