Why do so many Koreans have the surname Kim? 

Recently, Korean culture has gained immense popularity, thanks to the latest K-pop music and K-drama series. As you indulge in the mesmerising world of Korean entertainment, you might have been come across one aspect of the Korean population: The commonness of the surname 'Kim' in Korea. Estimates suggest that nearly 20% of the Korean population, which is around 50 million people, share this surname. That's right, Kim is the most prevalent surname in Korea. But why is it so common? Are all Kims related to each other? If these questions have provoked your curiosity, then you need not look any further as we help you dive into the fascinating history of this surname.  

The royal origin of the Surname Kim 
Although the surname Kim has become commonplace today, its origins were rooted in royalty. In fact, for many centuries in Korea, surnames were rare and reserved exclusively for the royal and aristocratic families. The surname Kim has its roots in two separate royal families of Korea, the Silla dynasty and the Gaya confederacy. The Silla dynasty, which spanned from 57 BC to 935 AD, observed the rule of Kim family for 700 years. The name 'Kim' itself means 'gold,' which was fitting for a family that ruled over such a prosperous kingdom. The Gaya confederacy, which existed from 42 AD to 562 AD, also had a royal family with the surname Kim. When both these kingdoms united, the merger led to Kim becoming one of Korea's most popular family names. This transformation occurred during the Joseon dynasty, which ruled from 1392 to 1910 and Japan's subsequent occupation of the Korean peninsula.  

Kim becomes a common surname 
During the Joseon dynasty, surnames were seen as a symbol of power and used only by the royal family. This changed after two consecutive wars between the Joseon dynasty of Korea and Japan that left the royal family financially depleted. In an effort to increase tax revenue, the monarchy reformed its naming system and allowed commoners to adopt surnames. The reform was successful as people without surnames were not paying taxes before the reform. When the rule was passed, many families chose the surname Kim, which was influential at that time, and they wanted to feel connected to the royalty. However, in 1910, when Japan took control of the Korean peninsula, having a surname became mandatory for all citizens. The Japanese government implemented a new household registration system that required all citizens to adopt a surname. Once again, many people chose the surname Kim. As a result, it became increasingly common and is now one of the most widely used surnames in Korea. 

Are all Kims related? 
It is natural to assume that two people with the same surname are related. However, this is not the case. The clan, a group of people whose surnames indicate a common geographical origin, is central to the traditional Korean kinship system. For example, people with the surname Kim can trace back their ancestors to various locations, and each subgroup of Kims forms a distinct clan. The origins of these clans are centuries old, and people with ancestral roots in different villages are now considered eligible to marry. But it wasn't always this way. Until 2005, marrying people with the same surname and ancestral paternal origin was illegal in Korea. So, while it may appear that sharing a last name implies a familial connection, the reality is far more complicated. Clans are essential in traditional Korean kinship. A person's surname is just one aspect of identity that reflects their ancestral roots and social standing within the community.