Sam Kim

Seung K Kim was born October 30, 1947 in Kimhea, South Korea.

As a young man, he served in the Vietnam War in 1969 and fought for the South Korean army as a proxy for the US military. After completing his tour of duty he returned home to marry his wife Daenam and start a family. In the 1970’s, Mr. Kim and his family received an opportunity to immigrate to the United State to pursue the American Dream.

After residing in New Jersey for a short while, together with his wife, young son and daughter they settled in the small town of Warren, Pennsylvania. Here he worked full time and went to school full time and in 1986 he completed his apprenticeship and became a licensed master machinist. During this time he and his family were also able to obtain citizenship and became naturalized citizens of the United States.

In the 90s, the family relocated to Erie, Pennsylvania where his strong work ethic continued. Mr. Kim not only worked full time for a small engineering firm but together with his wife Daenam, they operated a small shoe repair shop and restaurant as well. Like many rust belt cities hit hard by the economy, employment became more and more difficult while industries dwindled or moved overseas.

At the start of the new millennium, Mr. Kim decided to reinvented himself and become an entrepreneur. He learned a new trade in the Dry Cleaning Industry and through hard work and prayer was able to establish a successful business in Elyria, Ohio. This subsequent move to Ohio began his journey to integrating himself into the Korean-American community as well as the Greater Cleveland community.

In 2009, Mr Kim was elected President of the Korean American Association of Greater Cleveland. As President, he is very involved with both Korean and American veterans. He inspired his community to sponsor multiple events honoring all veterans so they may never be forgotten for their great sacrifice.

Some of his other accomplishments include:

Current President of the Korean Vietnam Veterans – Ohio Chapter and National Chapter
Current Advisor for the Korean American Association – Midwest Chapter
Elder at Ashtabula Korean Church
5th Degree Black Belt- Tae Kwon Do
Olympic Tae Kwon Do Referee
Husband, Father and Proud Grandfather of his two grandchildren, Gigi and Jack

Sam Kim was inducted into the 2017 Class of the Cleveland International Hall of Fame on the evening of April 18, 2017, 2016. Over 500 people attended the induction ceremony at the Marriott at Key Center.

2017 Class of the Cleveland International Hall of Fame

Sam Kim was inducted by his son Ki Kim.

In the video below, Cleveland International Hall of Fame co-founder Debbie Hanson introduced Ki Kim who then inducted his father Seung Sam Kim who gave his acceptance remarks.