The Samsung Ho-Am Prize is one of Korea’s most prestigious honors, recognizing individuals whose outstanding achievements have advanced scholarship, the arts, and human welfare. The prize is awarded to distinguished figures who have demonstrated world-class accomplishments in their respective fields.

Professor Kim is widely recognized as a pioneer who helped lay the technological foundation for next-generation wireless communications. He was honored for overcoming long-standing limitations in radio-frequency (RF) power amplifiers, a critical component of wireless communication systems.

In particular, Professor Kim developed power-amplifier technologies capable of simultaneously achieving high efficiency, high linearity, and high output power—three performance goals that had long posed a major technical challenge in RF engineering.

His innovations have been widely applied to the design of mobile phones and base-station transmitters, making significant contributions to improvements in the performance and efficiency of modern wireless communication systems. The technologies are also expected to play an important role in the development of wireless transmitters for future sixth-generation (6G) communication systems.

During his 28 years at POSTECH’s Department of Electrical Engineering, Professor Kim made lasting contributions to both research and education. He supervised 58 doctoral graduates, many of whom have gone on to successful careers at leading universities and companies in Korea and abroad, carrying forward his academic and technological legacy.

Professor Kim’s contributions have also earned international recognition. Among his major honors are the 2023 IEEE MTT-S Microwave Application Award and the 2025 European Microwave Association Outstanding Career Award.

The 2026 Samsung Ho-Am Prize Award Ceremony is scheduled to take place at 4:00 p.m. on June 1, 2026, at The Shilla Seoul.