The December 25 broadcast of KBS2’s variety show Problem Child in House (Episode 295) aired as a Christmas special, featuring Seoul National University pediatric psychiatrist Kim Bung-nyeon, widely regarded as Korea’s leading expert on developmental disorders. He joined the regular cast including Song Eun-i, Kim Jong-kook, Yang Se-chan, and Joo Woo-jae for a lively and insightful discussion.
Dr. Kim Bung-nyeon made a memorable entrance wearing his doctor’s coat, explaining that he had come straight from the hospital. He provided clear medical explanations on topics such as autism spectrum disorder and ADHD, noting that diagnoses have increased four to five times over the past 20 years. He attributed this rise to improved awareness, environmental factors like microplastics, and older parental age while firmly dispelling the misconception that such conditions are inherited from parents.
The discussion soon turned personal as the cast began asking questions about their own habits and personalities. Kim Jong-kook drew laughter by voluntarily asking, “Is exercise addiction considered a real addiction?” Dr. Kim clarified that addiction typically involves functional impairment, health damage, or financial loss, suggesting that the term “immersion” is more appropriate for healthy obsessions.
The highlight came during the surprise segment dubbed “Rooftop Mini Counseling Center,” where Kim Jong-kook’s well-known personality traits became the main topic.
When Kim Jong-kook asked whether being resistant to new technology was a problem, Joo Woo-jae immediately jumped in, saying, “It’s not that he can’t understand technology he just gets annoyed and refuses to accept it,” directly poking fun at Kim Jong-kook’s “analog-only” lifestyle.
Dr. Kim humorously diagnosed this as “resistance,” adding that it requires considerable self-confidence to withstand societal pressure to keep up with trends. Joo Woo-jae quipped back, “So that’s why he works out to endure the pressure,” sending the studio into laughter.
Song Eun-i then added fuel to the fire, revealing, “Even he can’t escape aging he’s been thinking about buying a large tablet because his eyesight isn’t what it used to be.”
Joo Woo-jae continued his playful attack, bringing up Kim Jong-kook’s rumored hoarding tendencies: “What about someone who clearly lived in a pile of clutter, but suddenly changed only because they got married?”
Dr. Kim responded thoughtfully, saying that for such individuals, organizing their space can feel like having their personal rules destroyed and if they accept it anyway, “that’s true love.” The comment instantly turned the studio atmosphere rosy.
Kim Jong-kook then defended himself, explaining, “I adjusted my behavior to fit the new house. Now I hang up my clothes properly, line everything up, and I even run the vacuum every day.” He added with a laugh, “But I couldn’t throw away my favorite sofa I sent it to my parents’ house instead.”
The revelation drew explosive laughter from the cast.
Meanwhile, Kim Jong-kook quietly held a private wedding ceremony this past September at a location in Seoul, attended only by family members and close acquaintances. The ceremony was officiated by longtime friend Yoo Jae-suk.
It was also revealed that Kim purchased his newlywed home a luxury villa in Nonhyeon-dong, Gangnam for approximately ₩6.2 billion (around USD 4.6 million), paid entirely in cash.
Despite his tough, disciplined image, Kim Jong-kook’s post-marriage life appears to be filled with unexpected compromises and a lot more vacuuming than fans ever imagined.
Sources: Naver
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