Despite a persistent hip injury and back pain, Kim competed at the 2008 World Championships in Gothenburg, Sweden. She was placed fifth in the short program with 59.85 points, but rebounded in the free skate to win the program with 123.38. She scored 183.23 points overall, and won her second consecutive bronze medal at the World Championships. Despite being injured and not near her best, some believed she was unfairly scored in the free skate. Kostner's silver was especially controversial as she made five jumping errors in the long program, and the crowd booed loudly when both Kim and fourth-place finisher Yukari Nakano finished beneath her.