The Kim surname is the most common in Korea, with around 20% of the population sharing it. While it is difficult to trace the lineage of every single person with the surname Kim, there are some indications that many Kims may share a common ancestor. The history of the Kim surname dates back to at least the 7th century and is believed to have originated from the Gyeongju Kim clan. Family names in Korea are often associated with specific clans or regions, and many families keep detailed records of their ancestors and descendants. Marriage has played a significant role in shaping Korean family lineages, and Koreans place a great deal of importance on genealogy and family history. Advances in DNA testing have made it possible to trace family lineages with greater accuracy, but even with DNA testing, it can be difficult to determine whether all Kims in Korea are related.