Korean singer and variety show star Kim Jong-kook tied the knot with a non-celebrity bride on September 5, 2025, in a private ceremony held in Seoul, South Korea. The 48-year-old entertainer announced his marriage during an episode of the popular SBS variety show "Running Man," creating one of the biggest entertainment stories of the year in South Korea.
For American readers unfamiliar with Korean entertainment culture, Kim Jong-kook is a household name in South Korea, comparable to how celebrities like Ryan Seacrest or Jimmy Fallon are recognized in the United States. He's been a central figure on "Running Man," Korea's equivalent to shows like "The Amazing Race" or "Survivor," for over a decade. The show has been a cultural phenomenon, not just in Korea but throughout Asia and beyond, making Kim Jong-kook's personal announcement particularly significant.
The Big Reveal on Korea's Most Popular Variety Show
Kim Jong-kook's marriage announcement came during the August 31 broadcast of "Running Man," where he has been a core cast member since 2010. The show, which airs on SBS (Seoul Broadcasting System), is Korea's longest-running variety show and has maintained its popularity for over 15 years. For American audiences, think of it as a combination of "The Price is Right" meets "Wipeout" with the camaraderie of "Saturday Night Live" - it's appointment television for millions of Korean families.
"I'm getting married. Actually, I tried to give hints little by little, but I'm sure many people will feel it's sudden," Kim Jong-kook revealed during the show. With his characteristic humor, he added, "This year marks my 30th anniversary in the entertainment industry, but instead of making the album I wanted to make, I made my other half." This kind of self-deprecating humor is typical of Korean entertainment culture, where celebrities often use wit to deflect attention from serious personal matters.
The announcement sent shockwaves through his fellow cast members, particularly Song Ji-hyo, his longtime co-star who has been paired with him in numerous show segments over the years. Her emotional reaction - "Oh, I'm a bit moved right now" - with a choked-up voice, resonated with viewers who have watched their on-screen chemistry for over a decade. For American viewers, imagine if longtime "Friends" co-stars suddenly revealed major life changes - that's the level of investment Korean audiences have in these relationships.
Record-Breaking Ratings and Cultural Impact
The episode featuring Kim Jong-kook's announcement achieved remarkable success, recording a 1.9% viewership rating in the key 20-49 demographic in the Seoul metropolitan area, making it the #1 variety show in its time slot. Peak viewership reached 5.5%, demonstrating the massive public interest in the announcement. To put this in American context, these numbers are equivalent to a major primetime network show drawing 15-20 million viewers nationwide - a significant achievement in today's fragmented media landscape.
The cultural significance of this announcement cannot be overstated. In Korean society, where marriage and family formation are deeply valued social milestones, a 48-year-old bachelor finally tying the knot represents more than just personal news - it's a cultural moment. Kim Jong-kook has been Korea's most famous eligible bachelor for years, similar to how George Clooney's bachelor status was constantly discussed in American media before his marriage to Amal.
Following the broadcast, Kim Jong-kook's name remained at the top of Korean online search rankings for over a week, demonstrating the lasting impact of his announcement. This level of sustained public interest is comparable to major American celebrity wedding announcements, such as when celebrities like Jennifer Lawrence or Ryan Reynolds announce their engagements.
Privacy and Korean Celebrity Culture
One of the most notable aspects of Kim Jong-kook's marriage is his choice to wed a non-celebrity. This decision reflects a growing trend among Korean entertainers who seek privacy in their personal lives, particularly given the intense scrutiny that Korean celebrities face from media and fans. The bride's identity has been kept completely private out of respect for her wishes and to protect her from the intense media attention that comes with being associated with a major Korean celebrity.
Yoo Jae-suk, Korea's "National MC" and Kim Jong-kook's longtime friend and co-host on Running Man, agreed to officiate the wedding ceremony. Yoo Jae-suk's role as officiant adds another layer of cultural significance - in Korean entertainment, these relationships between senior entertainers often transcend professional boundaries and become genuine family-like bonds.
The wedding was deliberately kept small and private, with only family members and close friends in attendance. This approach contrasts sharply with the elaborate celebrity weddings often seen in American entertainment culture, reflecting Korean values that prioritize discretion and respect for family privacy over public spectacle.
Real Estate and New Beginnings
Adding to the marriage news, reports revealed that Kim Jong-kook recently purchased a luxury villa in Nonhyeon-dong, Gangnam district of Seoul, for 6.2 billion won (approximately $4.6 million USD) in cash. This purchase in one of Seoul's most prestigious neighborhoods - think of it as Korea's equivalent to Beverly Hills or Manhattan's Upper East Side - signals his commitment to establishing a stable foundation for his new married life.
Industry insiders describe Kim Jong-kook's marriage as "one of the biggest entertainment stories of the year," noting that his decision to end his 30-year bachelor lifestyle represents a significant cultural moment. The overwhelming positive response from fans and fellow celebrities alike demonstrates the genuine affection and respect that Kim Jong-kook has earned throughout his three-decade career in Korean entertainment.
As Kim Jong-kook begins this new chapter of his life, fans and industry colleagues express confidence that he will continue his successful career in both music and variety entertainment while embracing his new role as a husband. His marriage represents not just a personal milestone, but a cultural moment that resonates throughout Korean society, marking the end of an era for one of Korea's most beloved entertainers.
Original Korean article: https://trendy.storydot.kr/kim-jongkook-marriage-runningman-sep08/
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