Some people live multiple lifetimes in one. Jonny Kim is one of them. He’s a U.S. Navy SEAL, a Harvard-trained physician, and now a NASA astronaut currently orbiting the Earth aboard the International Space Station. Born in Los Angeles to South Korean immigrants, Kim’s life story is a testament to resilience, discipline, and an unrelenting pursuit of purpose.
Jonny Kim’s Humble Beginnings in Los Angeles
Jonny Kim, born Jonathan Yong Kim on February 5, 1984, grew up in a modest household in South Los Angeles. His parents emigrated from South Korea in the early 1980s, chasing the American dream. His father ran a liquor store, and his mother worked as a substitute teacher. Despite their hard work, the family faced many challenges, including a troubled home life. At just 18, Kim lost his father during a tragic incident involving law enforcement. This deeply personal and painful experience shaped the trajectory of his life in unexpected ways.
Kim described himself in his younger years as shy and lacking self-confidence. He wasn’t the type of student anyone would expect to become a war hero, doctor, or astronaut. But beneath the quiet demeanor was a drive that would one day propel him beyond the Earth’s atmosphere.
Answering the Call: Becoming a U.S. Navy SEAL
After graduating from Santa Monica High School in 2002, Kim enlisted in the U.S. Navy. Inspired by stories of elite warriors, he set his sights on becoming a Navy SEAL. He graduated from the notoriously grueling Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training as part of Class 247 and joined SEAL Team 3.
As a SEAL, Kim deployed twice to the Middle East, participating in over 100 combat missions. He served in multiple roles such as combat medic, sniper, navigator, and point man. His courage and effectiveness on the battlefield earned him numerous decorations, including the Silver Star and Bronze Star Medal with “V” for valor. According to fellow SEAL Jocko Willink, Kim’s Silver Star came from rescuing injured Iraqi soldiers while under fire.
This chapter of his life could easily be a career highlight for anyone. For Kim, it was just the beginning.
Trading the Battlefield for the Hospital
After years of combat, Kim felt drawn to a different kind of service: medicine. He was accepted into the Navy’s highly competitive Seaman to Admiral (STA-21) program and earned a degree in mathematics from the University of San Diego. Jonny Kim didn’t stop there. He went on to earn his M.D. from Harvard Medical School, one of the most prestigious institutions in the world.
His time at Harvard gave him a new mission. He wanted to heal the wounds of war, both physical and emotional. He completed his medical internship in emergency medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Even with a stethoscope around his neck, Kim’s vision for service remained limitless.
Reaching for the Stars: Becoming a NASA Astronaut
While in medical school, Kim crossed paths with Scott Parazynski, a fellow physician and astronaut. That meeting sparked a new dream: space exploration. In 2017, Kim was selected from over 18,000 applicants to join NASA Astronaut Group 22. Also, he became part of a select group undergoing two years of intense training in robotics, flight systems, Russian language, and spacewalking.
Additionally, Kim completed the program in 2020 and began working as a capsule communicator at NASA’s Mission Control Center. In 2020, he was named one of 18 astronauts selected for Artemis, the program aiming to return humans to the Moon by the mid-2020s. His training didn’t stop there. He completed flight training in both jets and helicopters and received the rare dual designation as both a naval aviator and flight surgeon.
Into Orbit: Expedition 72/73
In August 2024, Kim was assigned to the crew of Expedition 72/73 aboard the International Space Station. On April 8, 2025, he launched into space aboard the Soyuz MS-27, adding yet another achievement to his already extraordinary résumé. As of now, he’s actively serving on the ISS, conducting science experiments, supporting crew operations, and perhaps inspiring the next generation of explorers back on Earth.
Jonny Kim: The Man Behind the Titles
Beyond the titles of SEAL, doctor, and astronaut, Jonny Kim is also a husband and father of three. He earns respect not just through his accolades and honors, but through his humility and quiet leadership. His story resonates because of his roots and resilience. He was a kid who once doubted himself, growing into a man who now touches the stars.
Furthermore, he has spoken openly about the challenges of overcoming trauma, pushing through fear, and finding a sense of purpose. “Going into the Navy was the best decision I ever made in my life,” Kim said in an interview. “It completely transformed that scared boy who didn’t have any dreams into someone who started to believe in himself.”
Legacy and Inspiration
Jonny Kim’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. It’s not just about personal excellence. It’s about transformation, service, and believing in the power of second chances. He shows what’s possible when discipline meets opportunity and proves that one person can rise above their past to achieve greatness.
His life continues to inspire countless individuals across the world, especially immigrants, children of immigrants, veterans, students, and anyone who’s ever felt like they didn’t quite fit the mold. Kim’s story proves that anyone can overcome limitations and that the quietest people often make the loudest impact.
