Kim Kaphwan is generally an exceptional character in most games he's in and RB2 Kim is no exception. Kim functions as a defensive footsies focused character who has excellent recovery on his normals, many of which have good range and speed and can combo into his incredibly useful P-Power Hou'ou Kyaku. Add in a plethora of defensive tools to deter any approach and you have a character who thrives in neutral and can punish mistakes on a dime. While he shines on defense however he lacks somewhat in the offensive department; zoning can really stifle Kim's gameplan as he has no real way to counter projectiles. He can also be out-poked by certain characters with little effort. Lastly, he doesn't particularly excel at mixing up, owing to telegraphed and easily punished overhead options. As a result, Kim rarely wants to be the aggressor. Ideally, Kim wants to control the pace of the match and force the opponent to initiate pressure rather than initiate it himself. If you like a control-type playstyle that benefits off good defense, Kim is your man.
Normal Moves
5A
Damage
Stun
Startup
Active
Recovery
Hit Advantage
Block Advantage
Guard
Cancel
BS
Juggle
7
-
5
2
10
4
0
HL
Yes
-
No
A short kick that confirms into two of Kim's chains; 5A>A>B>C and 5A>B>C with the latter working at tip range. Can easily confirm into specials or super with 5A>B.
n.5A
Damage
Stun
Startup
Active
Recovery
Hit Advantage
Block Advantage
Guard
Cancel
BS
Juggle
7
-
5
2
10
4
0
HL
Yes
-
No
For all intents and purposes it's the same button as 5A. Confirms and goes into the same chains as just as well.
n.5B
Damage
Stun
Startup
Active
Recovery
Hit Advantage
Block Advantage
Guard
Cancel
BS
Juggle
11
-
6
3
12
1
-3
HL
Yes
-
No
It's cancellable but it doesn't chain into anything so there's no real reason to use this over n.5A. It works pretty well as an anti air in a pinch due to a nice vertical hitbox, but with [2]8B in your pocket you shouldn't need to rely on it.
5B
Damage
Stun
Startup
Active
Recovery
Hit Advantage
Block Advantage
Guard
Cancel
BS
Juggle
11
-
6
3
15
-2
-6
HL
Yes
-
No
Get very acquainted with this move. It's Kim's best standing poke, and a cancellable one at that. Unfortunately it's a bit more difficult to hit confirm as it does not chain into anything, but its range makes it an invaluable tool in Kim's footsies game.
5C
Don't.
Damage
Stun
Startup
Active
Recovery
Hit Advantage
Block Advantage
Guard
Cancel
BS
Juggle
23/23
-
7
8
32
-10
-16
HL
No
-
No
Hits twice for decent damage, but not consistently as the first hit has shorter range than the second. It's a lightning rod for punishment. More often than not, you're going to hit this by accident off a poorly spaced cl.5C attempt. Best to just avoid this one.
n.5C
Damage
Stun
Startup
Active
Recovery
Hit Advantage
Block Advantage
Guard
Cancel
BS
Juggle
10/10
-
8
3
20
3
-3
HL
Yes
-
No
Kim's most damaging combo starter. Hits twice with both hits being cancellable. Not only is it the start to Kim's n.5C>A>B>C chain which follows easily into [2]8A~2A for just under half your opponent's health bar, it can also lead to some scary stagger pressure as a feint cancel leaves either hit neutral on block or +6 on hit for an easy link. Since the n.5C>A chain is cancellable it functions as an easy confirm into P-Power however at tip range the second hit can whiff, leaving Kim quite vulnerable.
Throws
4/6C
Body Toss
Damage
Stun
Startup
Active
Recovery
Hit Advantage
Block Advantage
Guard
Cancel
BS
Juggle
26
-
-
-
-
-
-
Unblockable
No
-
No
Standard throw. Will always switch sides, no matter which direction you hold.
