Singer Kim Jong-kook has been at the center of attention day after day since his marriage. In particular, he issued an official statement about a week later after a heated controversy erupted over his sudden switch of a honeymoon video to private, with people debating whether it was consideration for his wife or excessive behavior.
Earlier on the 9th, Kim Jong-kook released footage of himself working out during his honeymoon in Paris, France, on his YouTube channel "Jim Jong-kook." Although he showed the sort of "ultimate self-management" by exercising in the hotel gym from 6 a.m., a scene in which his wife's silhouette was faintly visible through a window in the middle of the video drew viewers' attention. Because he had strictly controlled camera filming at the wedding and concealed his wife's identity, fans' interest grew. However, the video was soon switched to private, leading to various speculations.
Kim Jong-kook's side did not offer a separate explanation, but netizens showed mixed reactions. Some responded, "It's actually admirable that he respects his non-celebrity wife to the end," and "I understand the cautious attitude," while others criticized, "This is overly dramatic," "What's the problem with just a silhouette?", and "It would have been better not to have revealed her at all from the start."
In fact, Kim Jong-kook had kept his wife's existence strictly private from the wedding until now. He banned guests from taking photos with their phones and never mentioned his wife's name, occupation, or face on the variety shows he appears on, such as Running Man or My Little Old Boy. Nevertheless, he honestly discussed newlywed life, changes after marriage, and plans for children on broadcasts, leading some to criticize that his actions are inconsistent.
Amid this back-and-forth, Kim Jong-kook spoke directly in a YouTube video he released on the 16th. Before the video, Kim Jong-kook said about the recent controversy, "An absurd article was published claiming that the reason I took down the previous video was to hide an indistinguishable black silhouette," and "Stories that are not common sense at all spread as if they were facts."
He went on to say calmly, "There are so many distorted stories about the wedding that it's upsetting, but I think it's my fault for giving them grounds. If I'm wrong, I'll accept it, and I'll just keep living honestly and diligently as I always have." He also dismissed rumors with a wry remark, "Those who have watched me for a long time will know. I'm not that crazy of a guy." Kim Jong-kook added, "Sometimes you face unfair situations in life. Still, I will live honestly as I have been," and "Have a happy end to your day, and I hope those who are having a hard time these days find strength."
Fans reacted to his candid response with messages of support such as, "That was refreshing; it's better that he speaks like this," "You can still feel his sincerity," and "Sticking to his principles to the end is so Kim Jong-kook." On the other hand, some said, "By explaining, he only makes it seem more excessive," and "Being in a position that can't avoid public attention, he seems overly sensitive."
After marriage, Kim Jong-kook's caution that began as "consideration" has been labeled "excessive," but he made clear his determination to continue on his path without wavering. Ultimately, even if misunderstandings accumulate, the mood is that he has chosen a "my way" of proving himself with diligence rather than explanations. Fans are gathering in the hope that he can protect his love and daily life in the way he believes.
[Photo] OSEN DB, Kim Jong-kook YouTube
[OSEN]