On July 11, Koreaboo reported that singer Hong Kyung Min shared amusing details about the married life of his close friend Kim Jong Kook, revealing that the Running Man star’s passion for working out hasn’t changed—even after getting married.
According to Hong Kyung Min, Kim Jong Kook has always prioritized the gym above everything else. Before marriage, the singer famously organized his entire schedule around his workouts. Friends in the entertainment industry reportedly knew exactly where Kim Jong Kook was whenever he called.
“Kim Jong Kook only called me or other celebrities in three situations: on his way to the gym, while working out, or on his way home from the gym,” Hong Kyung Min joked.
Hong Kyung Min said everyone expected Kim Jong Kook to change after getting married—but that never happened. Instead, the singer allegedly left his new bride at home after their wedding reception to complete his usual workout. “The wedding took place around 5 or 6 p.m. After the ceremony ended later that night, Kim Jong Kook still went to the gym. He left his wife at home after the wedding. I’ve never seen anything like it in my life,” Hong Kyung Min laughed.
He added that, for Kim Jong Kook, exercising is almost a sacred ritual. “Working out is like a sacred ceremony for him—almost as important as the wedding itself. Fortunately, his wife is very understanding.”
Born in 1976, Kim Jong Kook is one of South Korea’s most successful entertainers, achieving major success in music, television, and variety shows. He remains the only male solo singer to win Daesang (Grand Prize) awards from KBS, MBC, and SBS in the same year (2005). Across Asia, he is best known as one of the longtime stars of Running Man, where his exceptional strength earned him nicknames such as “Commander” and “Sparta-kook.”
Kim Jong Kook officially married in September 2025, ending years of speculation about his love life. The wedding was held at a luxury hotel in Gangnam, Seoul, with fewer than 100 guests, including only family members and close friends. Security was reportedly so tight that no wedding photos were leaked.
According to Sports Chosun, his wife is a Korean-American entrepreneur born in Los Angeles and is 11 years younger than the singer. She currently serves as the CEO of a cosmetics company, and Korean media reported that the couple had been dating since 2020 before tying the knot.
Ahead of their marriage, Kim Jong Kook reportedly purchased a 6.2 billion won (approximately US$4.5 million) luxury home in Nonhyeon-dong, Seoul, to serve as their newlywed residence.
Sources: kenh14
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