Kim participated in the 1988 AFC Asian Cup, and led South Korea to the final. They lost against Saudi Arabia at the penalty shoot-out of the final, but he was named the Most Valuable Player of the tournament. He also led team's title in the Asia group of the 1990 FIFA World Cup qualification, and was named the Most Outstanding Player of the tournament, but he showed poor performance in the 1990 FIFA World Cup, and couldn't prevent three losses of the team. He redeemed his failure in the World Cup by winning the 1990 Dynasty Cup, an East Asian competition, after the World Cup. He was elected the Asian Footballer of the Year for three consecutive years from 1989 to 1991.