In 1927, Kim was called up for service in the Red Army. He graduated from the school of junior commanders and became an assistant to the platoon commander. In 1927 he joined the Communist Party of Soviet Union and in 1929, he took part in the military operations of the conflict over the East China Railway. In 1930, he became the foreman of the company. Kim was sent to the Moscow Military Infantry School named after V.I. Lenin, which he graduated in 1932. He served as a company commander of the 76th Rifle Regiment of the 26th Kazan Rifle Division based in Yelabuga, Tatar ASSR.