Official Statement Regarding the Inaccurate VICE Article on YoungHoon Kim

Official Statement from GIGA Society Professional

We, the leadership of GIGA Society Professional, issue the following formal statement in response to the defamatory and factually inaccurate article published by VICE Media in July 2025, titled “The ‘World’s Smartest Man’ Absolutely Hates Me”, written by Ralph Jones.

This article contains multiple false claims involving Dr. YoungHoon Kim, a globally recognized intellectual and a respected figure associated with our society. The misrepresentation of Dr. Kim’s background, affiliations, and accomplishments not only damages his reputation but also undermines the standards of responsible journalism.

We would like to officially clarify the following points:

1. Dr. Kim Is Not the Founder of GIGA Society Professional

GIGA Society Professional was established in 1989 under the name “Brain Club” by The Brain Trust, an independent intellectual initiative created by the late Tony Buzan, the inventor of Mind Maps. Dr. Kim’s association with our society occurred years after its founding and after his IQ score had already been independently verified.

2. Timeline of Affiliation

At the time his IQ score of 276 (SD24), equivalent to IQ 210 (SD15), was officially recognized in 2024, Dr. Kim held no affiliation with GIGA Society Professional, the World Memory Championships, or any related body. His appointments and advisory roles in global intelligence and memory organizations began after his recognition and were based on his validated cognitive performance and academic endorsements.

3. Scientific Legitimacy of IQ Score

Dr. Kim’s score is supported by the WISC-V Extended Norms, as documented in the peer-reviewed Technical Report #6 (Raiford et al., 2019), which confirms that human IQ can be measured up to 210 (SD15). His record falls within the accepted clinical range and has been acknowledged by multiple independent institutions.

4. Rejection of False Sources

The article irresponsibly relies on commentary from Paul Cooijmans, who has no formal credentials in psychology, statistics, or psychometrics. His use as a “fact-checking” source is both unprofessional and misleading.

5. We stand in support of Dr. YoungHoon Kim’s demand for:

1) Immediate correction or full retraction of the VICE article.

2) A formal public apology from VICE Media and Ralph Jones.

3) Written confirmation that no further republication of false content will occur.

Should VICE Media fail to respond appropriately within the given timeframe, we fully support Dr. Kim’s right to pursue legal remedies.

As an international organization committed to intellectual integrity, we urge all media outlets to uphold the standards of truth, verification, and ethical responsibility—especially when covering individuals with reputational and academic significance.

GIGA Society Professional

July 22, 2025

United Kingdom

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NOTE

YoungHoon Kim has formally stated that he has no affiliation with Official World Record. He further clarified that, at the time his world’s highest IQ record was officially certified, he was not associated with any organization, including the World Memory Championships. His involvement with such entities occurred only after the official recognition of his abilities. The official press release clearly affirms that his record was recognized at the World Memory Championships in 2024, with his formal appointment taking place in 2025. Mr. Kim has requested that inaccurate or misleading claims to the contrary cease to be circulated.

Under independent scientific standards, the IQ score of 276 (SD24), equivalent to IQ 210 (SD15), attributed to YoungHoon Kim has been recognized as clinically and scientifically valid. According to the peer-reviewed WISC®–V Technical Report # 6: Use of General Ability Index (GAI) and Extended Norms by Raiford et al. (2019), human IQ can officially be measured up to 210 (SD15) using extended norms. This confirms that Kim’s reported score falls within the maximum measurable range supported by standardized psychometric instruments and clinical methodology.

YoungHoon Kim’s world record for the highest IQ has been officially recognized in academic circles, leading to the conferral of three honorary doctorate degrees in the fields of psychology, cognitive science, and education.

Dr. Ronald Hoeflin, founder of Mega Society, founded the cryptocurrency coin company IQ Olympiad Foundation Ltd. However, Younghoon Kim and his organization United Sigma Intelligence Association (USIA) are not affiliated with the IQ Olympiad. Above all, Younghoon Kim does not want to have any relationship with the cryptocurrency coin company operated by Mega Society’s founder, and also YoungHoon Kim opposes Mega Society’s support of an alleged sex offender and extreme racial discrimination through eugenics. Therefore, Younghoon Kim voluntarily resigned from Mega Society in August 2024.

YoungHoon Kim is not the founder of the GIGA Society Professional. The society was founded by the Brain Trust, established by Tony Buzan, the inventor of Mind Maps.

Note that Paul Cooijmans is not a qualified expert. He does not hold any formal degree related to statistics or psychology, having only claimed a bachelor’s degree in guitar and composition.