Kim Jong-kook
kim jong kook kim jong kook kim jong kook

Kim Jong-kook

김종국
  • Korean Name:김종국
  • Nickname:Spartan King, Mr. Fitness
  • Birthday:April 25, 1976
  • Nationality:South Korean
  • Zodiac Sign:Taurus
  • Height:178 cm (5’10”)
  • Weight:75 kg (165 lbs)
  • MBTI Type:ISFP
  • Blood Type:A
  • Occupation:Singer, TV Personality, Actor
  • Years Active:1995–present
  • Agency:Maroo Entertainment, JK Ent
  • Spouse:Recently married, name not publicly disclosed]
  • Education:Korea University, Department of Media and Communication (attended)
  • SNS:@kjk76

Biography

Born in Yongsan District, Seoul, Kim Jong-kook graduated from Hansei University with a degree in music composition. He began his career in the mid-1990s and has consistently remained a major figure in the Korean entertainment industry. Known for his powerful vocals and disciplined personal life, he has successfully navigated the different eras of K-pop and Korean entertainment, from the dance music of the ’90s to the global phenomenon of variety shows.

Music Career

Turbo (1995–2000)

Kim Jong-kook debuted as the vocalist of the dance-pop duo Turbo in 1995. The group was an immediate sensation, known for their catchy music and energetic performances. They sold millions of albums and were one of the most popular idol groups of their time. The duo disbanded in 2000, leaving a huge legacy in the K-pop scene.

Solo Artist (2001–present)

Following Turbo’s disbandment, Kim Jong-kook embarked on a solo career, initially facing some difficulties. However, he made a massive comeback with his second album, Evolution, in 2004, which featured his signature ballad “One Man.” His third album in 2005, This Is Me, was a commercial blockbuster that earned him the prestigious Daesang from all three major Korean TV stations (SBS, KBS, and MBC), a feat only a handful of artists have ever achieved. He has continued to release music throughout his career.

Variety Show Career

X-Man (2004–2006)

yoon eun hye

Kim Jong-kook’s variety show fame began with his role as a permanent cast member on the popular game show X-Man. His on-screen “love line” with actress Yoon Eun-hye became a legendary running gag that is still talked about today, with some fans believing it was a real relationship.

Family Outing (2008–2010)

He was a key member of the cast of the show Family Outing, where he showcased his “commander” image, often bossing around the other members with a mix of affection and tough love.

Running Man (2010–present)

running man

Kim Jong-kook’s global fame is largely thanks to his role in the variety show Running Man. As one of the original and longest-running cast members, he is known for his incredible strength and physical dominance, earning him the nicknames “SpartaKook” and “The Commander.” The show has garnered a massive international following, particularly in Asia, making him one of the most recognizable Korean celebrities.

Personal Life

Family Background

Kim Jong-kook’s older brother, Kim Jong-myung, is a plastic surgeon and has served as a judge for Miss Korea and Supermodel competitions. Despite a delicate appearance, he is known to be strong and has even competed physically with trainers like Jeon Wook-min from Running Man. During his medical school years, Kim Jong-kook paid for his brother’s tuition for seven years. Kim Jong-kook also appeared alone on 1 vs 100 (episode 211).

Kim Jong-kook Visits Brother’s Plastic Surgery

His niece Kim So-ya is a singer; they were previously under the same agency but later separated. Kim Jong-kook featured on So-ya’s song Everyday, I Love You, and So-ya was featured on his track Knowing Everything from his 6th studio album.

Another niece, Woo Seung-hee, won a Supermodel competition and appeared in Mighty Mouth’s MV in which So-ya was featured.

my little old boy
Soya

Despite a significant age gap (over 10 years), Kim Jong-kook is very close to his nieces So-ya and Seung-hee, often treating them when they go out and spending time chatting with them late into the night.

Kim Jong-kook paid the tuition fees for his plastic surgeon brother for 10 years and gifted an 800 million apartment to his parents (Entertainment Weekly)

Relationship

For years, Kim Jong-kook was one of the most famous bachelors in South Korea, often a subject of on-screen jokes about his single status. His on-screen “love line” with Song Ji-hyo on Running Man has a massive following. However, on August 18, 2025, Kim Jong-kook officially announced in a handwritten letter on his fan cafe that he is getting married to a non-celebrity. The news, which broke on his 30th debut anniversary, was met with overwhelming support from fans. The wedding is planned as a private ceremony with only family and close acquaintances. The identity of his future wife has not been disclosed to the public.

Controversies/Incidents

Military Service: In 2006, at the height of his career, Kim Jong-kook enlisted for his mandatory military service as a public service worker rather than an active-duty soldier due to a lifelong back injury. This decision was met with some public criticism, but his medical history was later verified.

Back Injury: He has been transparent about his severe back issues, including a ruptured disk that he endured for years while filming Running Man. He underwent surgery for the condition in 2010 and has since become an advocate for health and fitness.

Investment Scams: In a 2024 episode of the reality show My Little Old Boy, Kim Jong-kook revealed that he had lost “billions of won” to investment scams, highlighting the risks faced by celebrities.

Fun Facts

  1. Kim Jong-kook’s official fan club is named Papitus. The name means “a space to share love for one person, just like the feelings at the very beginning, a place for honest love.” The first generation was established in January 2006.
  2. Kim Jong-kook’s habit of being extremely frugal comes from his father.
  3. As a child known for his fighting ability, Kim Jong-kook once defended his older brother from bullies.
  4. There was a rumor that Kim Jong-kook attempted four times to enter medical school, but in reality, he only applied to the Radiology department once in his senior year of high school.
  5. Since 2022, he has suffered confusion online due to a KIA Tigers manager with the same name. KIA fans would tweet “Resign!” or “Fire him!” whenever Kim Jong-kook’s name trended. On January 28, 2024, that manager came under investigation for bribery, and two days later he was dismissed, freeing Kim Jong-kook from the confusion.
  6. He often uses the phrase “roughly” (‘러프하게’). In the past, he strictly controlled his diet with chicken breast and eggs, but since the 2020s, he focuses more on exercising according to how much he eats.
  7. If asked whether ghosts exist or not, he leans toward believing they exist but thinks it’s natural not to see them easily.
  8. He once received a Chow Chow dog as a gift in China, only to find out later that it was actually a bear.
  9. In late February 2025, he collected numerous envelopes on Running Man, earning the nickname. He claimed it was practical and that he would use all the envelopes, though the cast recycled most of them.
  10. He drives a second-generation Mercedes-Benz G-Class G350 Bluetec.
  11. He once collaborated with none other than Will Smith. It is said that Will Smith, after hearing Kim Jong-kook’s voice, personally invited Turbo for a collaboration. Turbo performed the vocal parts for the Korean version of Smith’s hit single “Just The Two Of Us.”
  12. He is the only active singer to have met both teams of Phantom Singer 3. La Poem met him on KBS Immortal Songs, while Let’s Amore met him on JTBC Hidden Singer.
  13. He is the only person across all seasons of Hidden Singer to achieve first place alone in Round 1 in Room 1. Previously, the only time anyone had ranked first was a tie during the Bobby Kim episode.