Donghyun Kim - South Korea

2026 - WCIGS - South Korea

Instagram: @dominghunky

Please tell us a little about yourself:

I am a roaster and barista at CafeSolution, where I’ve spent the last 12 years honing my craft. I entered the coffee industry because I was fascinated by how a single bean can tell a story of its origin. This is my 8 year competing, and I’m here to challenge my limits and share my unique perspective on flavor. Fun fact: I actually started my career in Physics major before falling in love with specialty coffee!"

What are you excited to do while you visit Brussels?

I am incredibly excited to explore the local cafe culture and see how the city’s unique history influences its coffee scene. I also can't wait to try the local Pasta, Chocolate and meet fellow coffee enthusiasts from all over the world."

What are your interests outside of coffee?

Outside of coffee, I’m an avid photographer. I find that capturing moments through a lens helps me stay creative and refreshed, which ultimately inspires my work with coffee."

Is there anyone you would like to thank or recognize, or who helped you to prepare for the WCC?

I would like to express my deepest gratitude to my team at CafeSolution for their endless support and feedback. Special thanks to my coachs, who pushed me to be better every single day. Lastly, thank you to my family for always believing in my journey