Amid renewed attention on comments suggesting that the members of the SBS entertainment program "Running Man" were aware of singer Kim Jong-kook's romantic relationship and marriage news for 1 to 3 years, it remains to be seen whether they will reveal the love story through "Running Man."
On the 18th, Kim Jong-kook announced, "I am getting married" through his official fan cafe, surprising fans. This has led to renewed focus on past comments made by Song Ji-hyo, as well as references by Yoo Jae-suk and Ji Suk-jin.
First, Song Ji-hyo and Kim Jong-kook have been fixed members on "Running Man" for a long time and were once beloved by fans as a "business couple." During an appearance as a guest on Ji Suk-jin's YouTube channel "Jipyeonhan Sesang" on June 15 last year, Song Ji-hyo made comments that hinted at Kim Jong-kook's romantic life. On the show, Song Ji-hyo said, "Oppa Jong-kook is in a hurry these days" and pointed to him as a friend who is at the marriageable age. When Ji Suk-jin asked, "Doesn't Jong-kook not have a girlfriend?" Song Ji-hyo replied, "No, I think he does?" and explained that she inferred Kim Jong-kook's relationship from the fact that "he has been smiling more and has been less angry." Ji Suk-jin also agreed.
Past signs of a romantic relationship detected at Kim Jong-kook's home are also receiving renewed attention. In a 2022 YouTube video from the channel "Jim Jong-kook," Yoo Jae-suk and Ji Suk-jin visited Kim Jong-kook's home and headed to the kitchen, complaining of hunger. Kim Jong-kook offered, "Do you want some gimbap? I made it myself," but when Yoo Jae-suk expressed doubt, he explained, "No, my younger staff made it." However, Yoo Jae-suk quickly caught on and asked, "Eun-jeong? Why is Eun-jeong the one making your gimbap?" Kim Jong-kook clarified, "I brought what was left from my home. Since I live alone, she sometimes brings me some." Ji Suk-jin then joked, "There's a woman who gives you gimbap; it might not be Eun-jeong," causing laughter among those present. Some fans interpreted this scene as a clue to detect signs of the future bride.
Above all, the news of Kim Jong-kook's marriage was something that even the "Running Man" production team and cast were unaware of, and the announcement during filming surprised everyone. The production team told OSEN in a phone call, "The main director, Choi Hyung-in, also received the marriage news just before the recording. The cast was also shocked." As a result, the "Running Man" team decided to advance the airing of this episode, originally scheduled for September 7, to August 31.
Kim Jong-kook officially announced his marriage through a handwritten letter on the fan cafe "Papitus." He stated, "I always prepared in my heart for the day when I might write something like this, but as I put the words together, I feel more nervous and excited than I imagined. I am getting married." He added, "I plan to quietly hold the wedding soon with family, relatives, and a few close friends."
Meanwhile, Kim Jong-kook is 49 years old this year, marking his 30th anniversary since his debut. The news of his marriage has stirred up great attention not only in the entertainment industry and among fans but also among his "Running Man" members, making it noteworthy whether he will reveal his marriage sentiments and love story through the show.
SBS "Running Man" airs every Sunday at 6:10 p.m.
[Photo] OSEN DB
[OSEN]