Kyungmoon Kim, Master Sommelier
Kyungmoon Kim is a Master Sommelier whose career bridges the worlds of classical wine and traditional Korean spirits. A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, Kim quickly distinguished himself with a refined palate and exceptional memory, earning accolades in prestigious competitions such as the Concours National du Meilleur Sommelier en Vins de France en Corée and the Korea International Professional Sommelier Contest.

He began his professional journey in Seoul as a founding member of JUNGSIK, where he built a widely praised wine and beverage program. He later brought his expertise to New York City, leading the opening of JUNGSIK's second location, where his beverage direction helped the restaurant earn two Michelin stars.

In 2016, Kim became a Master Sommelier through the Court of Master Sommeliers, one of the most respected and demanding distinctions in the wine world.

After years at the pinnacle of the fine wine industry, Kim felt a calling to reconnect with his heritage. He traveled across Korea, seeking out master producers of sool—traditional Korean alcoholic beverages—and uncovering expressions of craftsmanship, terroir, and cultural identity. These artisanal products, largely unknown outside Korea, have become the focus of his mission: to introduce premium Korean sool to the U.S. market and establish it as a vibrant new category in the world of restaurants and bars.