Kim Jae-bum

Kim Jae-bum
Personal information
Born (1985-01-25) 25 January 1985
Home townSeoul, South Korea
Alma materYongin University
OccupationJudoka
Height182 cm (6 ft 0 in)
Sport
CountrySouth Korea
SportJudo
Weight class–81 kg
Rank     5th dan black belt
Coached byChung Hoon
Korean name
Hangul
김재범
Hanja
金宰範
RRGim Jaebeom
MRKim Chaebŏm
Achievements and titles
Olympic Games (2012)
World Champ. (2010, 2011)
Asian Champ. (2005, 2008, 2009,
2010, 2011, 2012,
2014)
Highest world ranking1st (2010, 2011, 2012, 2013)
Medal record
Men's judo
Representing  South Korea
Olympic Games
2012 London ‍–‍81 kg
2008 Beijing ‍–‍81 kg
World Championships
2010 Tokyo ‍–‍81 kg
2011 Paris ‍–‍81 kg
2009 Rotterdam ‍–‍81 kg
Asian Games
2010 Guangzhou ‍–‍81 kg
2014 Incheon ‍–‍81 kg
2014 Incheon Men's team
Asian Championships
2005 Tashkent ‍–‍73 kg
2008 Jeju ‍–‍81 kg
2009 Taipei ‍–‍81 kg
2011 Abu Dhabi ‍–‍81 kg
2012 Tashkent ‍–‍81 kg
2015 Kuwait City ‍–‍81 kg
World Masters
2010 Suwon ‍–‍81 kg
IJF Grand Slam
2011 Paris ‍–‍81 kg
2012 Tokyo ‍–‍81 kg
2009 Paris ‍–‍81 kg
2009 Tokyo ‍–‍81 kg
2014 Paris ‍–‍81 kg
IJF Grand Prix
2010 Düsseldorf ‍–‍81 kg
2013 Jeju ‍–‍81 kg
2014 Jeju ‍–‍81 kg
2013 Düsseldorf ‍–‍81 kg
World Juniors Championships
2004 Budapest ‍–‍73 kg
Asian Junior Championships
2003 Macau ‍–‍66 kg
Summer Universiade
2007 Bangkok ‍–‍73 kg
Profile at external databases
IJF64
JudoInside.com34929
Updated on 25 May 2023

Kim Jae-bum (김재범) (Korean pronunciation: [kim.dʑɛ̝.bʌm]; born 25 January 1985, in Gimcheon, Gyeongsangbuk-do) is a retired South Korean judoka. Despite being plagued with injuries throughout his career, Kim is known for dominating major competitions at the half-middleweight category (81 kg)—particularly between his Olympic debut in 2008 and his 2012 Olympic finals rematch against Ole Bischof.

Kim has had several nicknames, including "Man of One Arm Wins" for his successes through injury, "Korean Tiger" for his aggressive play and iconic status in South Korean judo, and "Energizer Bunny" for his quick and relentless style of judo.

He was granted exemption from South Korea's mandatory military service in 2010, following his gold medal victory at the Guangzhou Asian Games.