Singer Kim Jong-kook is finally joining the ranks of married men as he celebrates his 30th anniversary debut. Curiosity surrounding the identity of his fiancée is growing daily.
Earlier, on the 18th, Kim Jong-kook shared the news of his marriage through a handwritten letter on his official fan cafe. He said, "I had prepared in my heart for the day I would write this kind of letter, but as I actually write it, I'm more nervous and excited than I imagined. I'm getting married." He continued, "This year marks my 30th anniversary debut, and although I haven't been able to make the album I wanted, I have found my other half," announcing a new chapter in his life.
The wedding is planned to be held quietly in the near future, inviting only family, relatives, and a few friends. Kim Jong-kook stated, "Although it's late, I'm glad to be going this way. I will strive to live well."
Amid this, fans are intensely curious about the fiancée. This is due to various speculations flooding online communities and social media right after Kim Jong-kook's marriage announcement. "She is a 38-year-old beauty startup CEO living in Los Angeles," and "She is the daughter of a well-known English teacher who is 20 years younger and works in a large corporation's overseas sales team," are among the diverse rumors stimulating fans' curiosity.
However, Kim Jong-kook's side remains tight-lipped regarding his fiancée's identity. A representative from his agency told OSEN, "There is nothing more we can share besides what Kim Jong-kook conveyed directly to the fan cafe. It's a private matter, so we don't know the details," maintaining discretion.
Amid this, on the 31st episode of SBS's 'Running Man', behind-the-scenes stories of Kim Jong-kook's marriage announcement were revealed. Kim Jong-kook called the members separately, saying, "Wouldn't it be awkward if you don't come to the wedding?" causing surprise. Ji Suk-jin expressed disbelief, saying, "Are you getting married? Isn't this a YouTube concept?" and Yoo Jae-suk asked, "Is she from the entertainment industry?" To this, Kim Jong-kook replied, "No, she's not in the entertainment industry," clearly stating that his fiancée is an ordinary person.
Haha recalled, "Aren't you marrying Chae-yeon sister?" bringing up a past love line, but Kim Jong-kook firmly responded, "Are you crazy? That's all over now. It can't happen anymore," eliciting laughter. The subtitle "A settled man" added to the emotional atmosphere.
The broadcast revisited a scene where Kim Jong-kook, in the past mission "Leave a video message for my girl," looked at the camera and said, "Just wait a little longer." This commentary, seemingly casual at the time, was interpreted as foreshadowing leading to his marriage announcement.
Above all, when the members asked, "Does your sister-in-law like plastic bags?" Kim Jong-kook humorously confessed, "No, she doesn't come to my house. Because of that, there was almost a marriage crisis. I almost couldn't get married after the broadcast," revealing a light-hearted confession. When asked if his sister-in-law also likes exercise, he replied, "As long as she doesn't interfere with my workout, that's fine," showcasing his characteristic charm.
In response, fans and viewers reacted passionately, saying, "Finally, Jong-kook hyung is settling down; it's moving," and, "It's wise not to reveal the details about the fiancée," while others expressed concerns, stating, "If the rumor of a 20-year gap is true, it's shocking" and "I worry the rumors might burden the fiancée."
[Photo] OSEN DB, Running Man
[OSEN]