[K-wiki] Kim Jong Kook Marriage Real Wife A To Z (+Runningman Song Jihyo)

Kim Jong Kook is a renowned South Korean singer and entertainer, widely known as the leader and main vocalist of the dance group Turbo. Born on April 25, 1976, in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, and raised in Anyang, Gyeonggi Province, Kim has built a remarkable career since his debut in 1995. He is celebrated for his exceptional vocal ability, emotional ballads, and dynamic dance tracks, maintaining popularity from the 1990s through the 2020s.

Kim gained recognition as a member of Turbo before switching to a solo career in 2001. He earned the nickname “Matonggawang” (The Last Combined King of Music Awards) for clinching the top awards at all three major broadcasting stations in 2005, achieving the prestigious “Triple Crown” and “Grand Slam” awards. Notably, he is the only artist to have won both major music and entertainment awards solo. His solo album “This Is Me” (2005) includes hit songs like “Jejari Georeum (Stepping Back)” and “Sarangseureowo (Lovable),” which dominated music charts and earned him numerous accolades.

Kim Jong-kook is also famous for his muscular physique and dedication to fitness, often referred to as “Gym Jong-kook.” His intense commitment to bodybuilding and health has earned him a strong fan base beyond music. He excels in various music genres including dance, ballads, rock ballads, R&B, rap, hip-hop, and trot, supported by an impressive vocal range spanning from very low to extremely high notes.

In addition to music, Kim has established himself as a popular television personality, particularly through long-running variety shows like “X-Man,” “Family Outing,” and “Running Man,” where his charismatic “strong man” image and comedic timing have drawn widespread admiration. His partnership with MC Yoo Jae-suk is one of the longest-lasting and most beloved in Korean entertainment.

Educationally, Kim Jong-kook studied classical music composition and performance arts, emphasizing his serious commitment to music. He is fluent in English and often interacts with international fans, further broadening his appeal.

Throughout his career, Kim has engaged in philanthropy quietly, donating substantial sums to various causes, including disaster relief and welfare for the underprivileged. Despite some controversy about his military service due to a herniated disc, he fulfilled his duty through public service and has openly discussed health challenges, advocating disciplined fitness routines.

Kim Jong Kook Profile

Full Name: Kim Jong-kook | キム・ジョングク (歌手) | 김종국
Birthdate: April 25, 1976 (Age 49)
Birthplace: Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Nationality: South Korean
Height: 178 cm | Weight: 84-87 kg
Blood Type: AB | MBTI: ISFP
Education: Bachelor’s in Composition from Hansei University; Graduate studies in Performing Arts at Dankook University
Military Service: Completed public service (March 2006 – May 2008)
Religion: Buddhism (Jogye Order)
Agency: J BRO Entertainment
Debut Year: 1995 (with Turbo)
Social Media: Instagram, YouTube, Facebook (official accounts)

[K-wiki] Kim Jong Kook marriage real wife A to Z (+Runningman Song Jihyo)

Kim Jongkook Career Highlights

Kim Jong-kook spent his childhood in Anyang, Gyeonggi-do, developing an interest in music during middle school. He pursued his dream of becoming a singer while in high school. In 1995, he debuted as a member of Turbo, which dominated the 1990s music scene with fast-paced dance tracks and hip-hop elements. Hits like “Black Cat” and “Love is…” solidified Turbo’s popularity. After the group’s disbandment in 2000, he launched his solo career in 2001 with Renaissance, achieving success with “One Man.” His 2005 song “Lovable” became a defining hit, touching listeners with its emotional depth.

His role on Running Man since 2010 marked a turning point, showcasing his strength and leadership, earning him the nickname “Capable One.” The show elevated his global fame. In 2018, he started his YouTube channel “Gym Jong Kook,” focusing on fitness content and engaging with fans. On shows like You Quiz on the Block, he shared insights into his fitness passion and challenges as a solo artist, resonating with audiences.

Kim Jongkook Popular Songs

Kim Jong-kook’s hit songs span his Turbo and solo careers, covering various genres. Below are 10 notable songs:

Black Cat (1995, Composer: Joo Young-hoon, Lyricist: Lee Seung-ho, YouTube): Turbo’s debut song, known for its bold hip-hop beat and catchy melody.
Love is… (1996, Composer: Joo Young-hoon, Lyricist: Yoon Hyung-bin): A signature Turbo track with emotional lyrics and melody.
Choice (1996, Composer: Joo Young-hoon, Lyricist: Lee Seung-ho): A powerful dance track that cemented Turbo’s fame.
One Man (2001, Composer: Yoon Il-sang, Lyricist: Yang Jae-sun, YouTube): His solo debut hit, loved for its soulful melody.
Lovable (2005, Composer: Cho Young-soo, Lyricist: Kang Eun-kyung, YouTube): A dramatic ballad that became a fan favorite.
From Now On, I Love You (2004, Composer: Bang Si-hyuk, Lyricist: Bang Si-hyuk): An emotional ballad that resonated widely.
Star, Wind, Sunlight, and Love (2005, Composer: Cho Young-soo, Lyricist: Kang Eun-kyung): Known for its warm lyrics.
Tonight (2006, Composer: Bang Si-hyuk, Lyricist: Bang Si-hyuk): A popular song with a sweet melody.
Standing Still (2008, Composer: Cho Young-soo, Lyricist: Kang Eun-kyung): A heartfelt breakup song.
I Love You (2010, Composer: Cho Young-soo, Lyricist: Kang Eun-kyung): A beloved love song.

Awards

1995 – KBS Music Awards, Best New Artist
2004 – Mnet Asian Music Awards, Best Ballad Performance
2005 – SBS Gayo Daejeon, Bonsang
2005 – KBS Music Awards, Bonsang
2010 – SBS Entertainment Awards, Best Teamwork Award (Running Man)
2013 – SBS Entertainment Awards, Excellence Award
2015 – SBS Entertainment Awards, Grand Award (Running Man)

Kim Jong Kook Variety TV Shows in Korean

Kim Jong Guk first made his mark as a singer, but it was through variety shows that he truly established himself as an all-round entertainer. His key turning point came between 2004 and 2006, before his military enlistment, when he appeared on the popular SBS show “X-Man.” Thanks to the program’s massive following, Kim Jong Kook emerged as a unique “multi-entertainer” — someone equally at home on stage and on television.

The X-Man Era and a Famous Love Line

Despite his reputation as a talented singer, it was his on-screen chemistry with actress Yoon Eun-hye on “X-Man” that made him a household name. Their so-called “love line” became a cultural phenomenon, fueling media headlines and public fascination. Besides Yoon Eun-hye, Kim developed onscreen relationships with other celebrities such as Chae Yeon, Jang Hee-jin, and Kang Eun-bi, creating dramatic “love triangles” and adding layers of excitement to the show. The buzz reached such a height that rumors about Kim Jong Kook’s real-life relationships frequently made the front page of sports newspapers.

Kim Jong Kook & Yoon Eun Hye

Kim Jong Kook and Yoon Eun Hye formed a popular “love line” on the SBS variety show “X-Man,” which aired in the mid-2000s. Their playful chemistry and interactions on the program were widely loved by viewers, sparking ongoing interest and rumors about their relationship over the years. Despite persistent speculation, neither Kim Jong Kook nor Yoon Eun Hye has publicly confirmed a romantic relationship.

In 2008, a photo surfaced showing Kim Jong Kook and Yoon Eun Hye at a tanning salon on the same day, which reignited dating rumors. This was a period when Yoon Eun Hye was gaining major popularity due to the drama “Coffee Prince,” and Kim Jong Kook had just completed his military service. The coincidence fueled public curiosity further.

“Shoot Dori” and Unmatched Popularity

Simultaneously, Kim Jong Kook became the first coach of KBS’s “Fly Shoot Dori,” a reality show following a kids’ soccer team. His involvement in this fresh concept led to sky-high viewership ratings. Combining the overwhelming popularity from “X-Man” with his guiding role in “Fly Shoot Dori,” Kim Jong Kook was catapulted to national fame.

Musical Achievements and the 2005 Grand Slam

While gaining traction as a TV personality, Kim Jong Kook also broke records in music. In 2005, his third solo album “This Is Me” spawned hit after hit — most notably “Walking in Place,” “Lovable,” and “Stars, Wind, Sunlight, and Love,” all dominating music charts. This success, coupled with his TV prominence, helped him achieve a rare “Grand Slam,” sweeping the major year-end music awards across Korea’s three national broadcasters (KBS, SBS, MBC). His balanced appeal among both male and female audiences, and across age groups, made him one of the most widely-supported entertainers of the time.

Kim Jong Kook Family Outing

After being discharged from the military, Kim Jong Kook made his entertainment comeback by releasing his fifth studio album and joining the hit SBS variety show, “Family Outing.” Interestingly, Kim was cast for “Family Outing” based on his long-standing loyalty to the show’s PD, who had also led him through the peak “X-Man” era.

Kim Jong Kook was originally known for his reserved demeanor, yet post-military, he evolved into a far more talkative and sociable character. On “SangSang Plus,” he shared that his time as a public service worker—delivering food and essentials to elderly people living alone—transformed his personality. Although he began as a quiet, courteous presence, he learned from his colleagues to connect warmly and to initiate conversations, eventually shifting into the lively, chatty style that fans now associate with him.

Kim Jong Kook Running Man

Kim Jong Kook has appeared on SBS’s “Running Man” alongside Yoo Jae Suk for over fourteen years, maintaining a consistent presence on the beloved Sunday program. Initially, he received criticism for sticking too strongly to his established muscle-bound image; in the show’s early days, he often showcased his physical prowess to both cast members and guests. Because of this, some viewers felt he relied too much on brute strength, echoing criticisms from his previous stint on “Family Outing.” In fact, Kim himself revealed that he was contracted to play an anti-hero or “villain” role on the show—he once joked to Yoo Jae Suk, “If I don’t do it this way, they won’t use me.”

Despite complaints about his “tough guy” persona, Kim Jong Kook has proven he brings much more to the table. His “capable man” character is tailor-made for “Running Man’s” physical, competitive format and he continually shines in games and chase segments. Over time, he’s balanced his muscular image with moments of intelligence and clever strategy. Kim’s skill at puzzles and deduction has faded criticisms that he only excels at physical challenges; he regularly demonstrates quick judgment and shrewd reasoning, drawing praise from cast and fans alike.

He is also recognized as an essential “second-in-command” to Yoo Jae Suk, strengthening the show’s core dynamic. Originally, production intended for member Ji Suk Jin to adopt this rival role, but Kim Jong Kook’s resurgence as both a comedic and competitive figure made him a natural counterbalance to the main host. Guests and members often select him as a teammate, citing his reliability and ability to navigate both physical and mental games.

Notably, Kim Jong Kook’s intelligence is often overlooked due to his dominant “strongman” image. Yet, within “Running Man,” he’s regarded as one of the best when it comes to logic, deduction, and strategic thinking—members have even joked he should have been a detective rather than a singer. As the show shifted away from pure chase games to more complex concepts involving betrayal and secret missions, Kim’s skills in identifying spies and solving intricate missions became even more apparent.

Beyond “Running Man,” Kim continues to build a diverse career, serving as MC for programs like “I Can See Your Voice,” acting in dramas, and appearing as a judge and coach in numerous variety and reality shows. He was recognized with the SBS Entertainment Grand Prize in 2020, becoming the first artist to win both music and entertainment grand prizes as a soloist. These seven are the regular cast members appearing on the show, with Ji Ye Eun & Choi Daniel having joined most recently. The lineup reflects the program’s ongoing commitment to variety and freshness, maintaining its popularity among viewers for over 15 years.

Kim Jong Kook Song Ji Hyo

Kim Jong Kook and Song Ji Hyo have long been known for their popular “love line” on the variety show “Running Man.” Their playful and sometimes awkward interactions have captured the audience’s attention and become a beloved recurring theme. Fans enjoy the chemistry between the two, often rooting for a romantic connection despite the show’s mainly comedic nature. Over the years, their close friendship and gentle teasing moments have built a charming dynamic that adds warmth and humor to the show, making the Kim Jong Kook-Song Ji Hyo love line one of the most memorable aspects of “Running Man.”

Kim Jong Kook YouTube

김종국 GYM JONG KOOK

Kim Jong Kook Marriage real wife

Kim Jong-kook Announces Marriage, Closing Legendary Love Lines with Yoon Eun-hye and Song Ji-hyo. Singer Kim Jong-kook has officially announced his marriage, turning a new page in his life after years of memorable “love lines” on popular variety shows. On the morning of August 18, Kim shared handwritten news with fans via his official fan cafe, admitting he was more nervous and emotional than he expected as he wrote, “I am getting married.”

He revealed that this year marks his 30th debut anniversary and, despite not producing a new album as planned, he’s found his life’s true partner. Kim’s history of “love lines”—playful romance scenarios with Yoon Eun-hye on “X-Man” and with Song Ji-hyo on “Running Man”—have entertained fans and created iconic moments in Korean TV. Now, he closes that chapter in favor of a real lifelong commitment, responding to the wishes of many devoted supporters.

The wedding will be held privately with only close family and friends in attendance. In his letter, Kim expressed gratitude for fans’ continuous support, stating, “Thanks to you, I am getting married and taking on new challenges in life. I promise to continue working hard as Kim Jong-kook.”

Kim Jong-kook’s wife’s identity has not yet been publicly revealed. Kim himself announced his marriage recently but chose to keep details about his bride private. He mentioned in a handwritten letter posted on his official fan cafe that the wedding will be held quietly with only close family and friends attending. Earlier this year, Kim sparked marriage rumors when he purchased a luxury villa in Seoul’s Gangnam district, referring to it as a “newlywed home” during a variety show.

[K-wiki] Kim Jong Kook marriage real wife A to Z (+Runningman Song Jihyo)