Singer Kim Jang-hoon Joins 'My Little Old Boy,' Surprised by National Pension Estimate and Vows to Donate Again
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South Korean singer and record producer Kim Jang-hoon made his debut as a new cast member on SBS variety show "My Little Old Boy" on Nov. 8, drawing attention after an unexpected conversation about his retirement benefits led him to announce plans to resume charitable giving.
Kim, known in South Korea as a major philanthropist, said he was surprised by the estimated monthly payment he would receive from the country's National Pension Service. The 63-year-old has reportedly donated more than 20 billion won (about $14 million), earning him the nickname "donation angel." He received South Korea's Order of Civil Merit, Dongbaek Medal, in 2013.
A pension surprise and another promise to donate
During the episode, Kim asked an artificial intelligence service what benefits he could receive as he approached retirement age. He learned that he would have to wait another two years to qualify for free subway rides, a benefit available to eligible older residents in South Korea.
He then called the National Pension Service to ask about his eligibility, identifying himself as someone born Aug. 14, 1963. A representative told him that people born in 1963 could begin receiving pension payments at age 63, starting in September.
After hearing his estimated monthly benefit, Kim reacted with surprise: "Per month? They give that much?" He said he would visit a nearby pension office to apply rather than complete the process online.
When longtime friend and fellow singer Lee So-ra visited his studio, Kim shared the news, saying he would soon receive pension payments and would be eligible for free subway rides in two years. Asked by Lee whether that meant he could stop performing, Kim replied that instead of saving the money, he had decided to start donating again.
Kim Jang-hoon and Lee So-ra revisit old dating rumors
Lee appeared on the program as Kim's temporary on-screen mother, a recurring format in which celebrities' everyday lives are presented through a family-oriented lens. The two singers, who have been friends for 30 years, also addressed rumors that they had once been romantically involved.
Kim recalled walking hand in hand with Lee while attending a performance in Seoul's Daehangno theater district. He joked that pedestrians moved aside as the pair walked together, making it easy to understand why people had started speculating about their relationship.
Lee said she enjoys linking arms with friends and leaning on other people, adding that she had not realized such gestures could be misinterpreted. Both made clear that they had never been a couple.
Lee also recalled Kim's generosity during a recording of her former television program, "Lee So-ra's Proposal." When filming continued past 1 a.m., Kim reportedly gave taxi money to audience members who stayed until the end. He said he gave 20,000 won to Seoul residents and 30,000 won to those traveling home to Gyeonggi province.
Kim also expressed interest in meeting someone new and discussed the possibility of joining a matchmaking agency, suggesting that he remains open to marriage.
Colleagues praise his behind-the-scenes generosity
Interest in Kim continued beyond the broadcast. Singer Kim Jong-seo discussed him on KBS Cool FM's "Park Myung-soo's Radio Show" on Nov. 9, revealing that Kim had been directing his concerts without receiving payment. Asked why Kim was doing the work for free, Kim Jong-seo said he still could not understand the reason.
Kim Jang-hoon was also listed among the performers scheduled for a super concert connected to the "Nationwide Star Discovery" audition event organized by Chungnam State University.
The pension segment, uploaded to the SBS Entertainment YouTube channel on Nov. 8, had attracted 390,167 views as of Nov. 9. A preview released Nov. 7 had recorded another 116,337 views.
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