From Bitcoin Advocate to XRP Evangelist: The 'Smartest Man Alive' Controversy

The landscape of crypto influencers is witnessing an intriguing shift. YoungHoon Kim, the individual who holds the controversial title of possessing the world’s highest IQ, has undergone a dramatic pivot in his public messaging. Once known as a staunch Bitcoin maximalist, Kim has recently become an aggressive promoter of XRP, now trading at $2.04 with a 24-hour decline of -2.43%.

The Escalating Promotion Campaign

Kim’s marketing efforts have intensified dramatically in recent weeks. His latest claim describing the Ripple-associated token as a “digital God” represents a notable escalation in promotional intensity. Industry observers note that such fervent advocacy increasingly resembles engagement-farming tactics rather than substantive analysis. As one community member pointed out, the XRP ecosystem benefits from the visibility generated by such promotion, leading to what some perceive as opportunistic amplification rather than genuine conviction.

In December alone, Kim predicted XRP would soar to $100, a projection that has drawn considerable attention from both supporters and skeptics. These predictions underscore how influence within crypto communities can drive narrative formation, regardless of the underlying validity of such claims.

Examining the ‘Smartest Man’ Narrative

The foundation of Kim’s credibility rests on a claim that warrants significant scrutiny. The assertion of possessing an IQ of 276 faces fundamental scientific objections. Clinically validated intelligence testing typically caps at around 160 on the IQ scale. Beyond this threshold, measurement becomes statistically unreliable.

Using the standard deviation 15 scale employed by Mensa and mainstream psychology, an IQ score of 195 would represent odds of 1 in 8 billion—a rarity that would require a norming population exceeding the total number of humans ever to have lived for proper validation.

Kim’s credentials have faced additional challenges. The Giga Society, originally established by Paul Cooijmans to recognize individuals with 1-in-a-billion intellectual capacity, has distanced itself from Kim’s organization. Cooijmans publicly labeled Kim’s rival entity as “fraudulent” and characterized Kim as an “impostor.” Furthermore, a former Mensa Korea chairperson reportedly communicated to media outlets that Kim’s scores within their organization did not meet heightened standards for exceptional classification.

Community Fatigue and Market Dynamics

Interestingly, even dedicated XRP advocates are beginning to show signs of exhaustion from the relentless promotional campaign. The aggressive shilling has shifted from appearing persuasive to appearing desperate, particularly when elevated promotional activity lacks grounding in fundamental analysis or market movement. This dynamic reveals a broader tension within community-driven cryptocurrencies: the balance between organic enthusiasm and coordinated promotion.

The contrast between Kim’s previous Bitcoin advocacy and current XRP evangelism raises questions about conviction versus opportunism—a distinction that ultimately matters to investors making portfolio decisions.