 In 1948, Korean President Syngman Rhee put Kim in charge of the South Korean border units, and attempted to name him commander of the South Korean Army, but was overridden by General Walton H. Walker of the United States Eighth Army, who distrusted Kim's background.Kim retired from active duty, but was recalled in early July 1950 due to the outbreak of the Korean War.He was promoted to Major General and retired again in 1956.