In 1888, he was born in a rich, Yangban-traditioned family in South Hamgyong Province, Pukchong County, as the fifth son of his father Kim Ding-Hyung.
Pada 1888, ia lahir dari keluarga Yangban yang kaya di Provinsi Hamgyong Selatan, Kabupaten Pukchong, sebagai putra kelima dari ayahnya Kim Ding-Hyung.