Tong Kim is currently a visiting scholar at Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS), a research professor at Korea University's Ilmin Institute of International Relations, and a visiting professor at Graduate University of North Korean Studies. He is also a columnist for The Korea Times, writing extensively on North Korea. Kim retired from the U.S. Department of State as the senior Korean language interpreter in June 2005 after 27 years of service, during which he interpreted for four American presidents Reagan, Bush, Clinton, and George W. Bush. He also interpreted for Secretary of State Albright's meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Il in 2000. Kim received a master's degree from John Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies and a bachelor’s degree from Korea University.