After decades of being Korea’s most eligible bachelor, Kim Jong Kook has officially said “I do” to his non-celebrity bride in an intimate Seoul wedding ceremony. The 49-year-old entertainer, best known for his role on the hit variety show Running Man, surprised fans and fellow cast members alike with his sudden marriage announcement.
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Kim Jong Kook Wedding Details at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | September 5, 2025 |
| Location | Private venue in Seoul |
| Bride | Non-celebrity (identity protected) |
| Wedding Style | Private ceremony with close family and friends |
| Host/MC | Yoo Jae Suk |
| Announcement | August 18, 2025 (during Running Man filming) |
The Surprise Announcement That Shocked Everyone
Kim Jong-kook stunned his “Running Man” castmates by announcing he’s getting married during a recent taping, leaving his longtime friends and co-stars completely speechless. The announcement came just 18 days before his wedding date, making it one of the most last-minute celebrity wedding reveals in recent Korean entertainment history.
According to the broadcast, Kim informed his castmates about the wedding only 10 minutes before filming, with the wedding date set for September 5—a mere 18 days away. The timing couldn’t have been more perfect, as this year marks the 30th anniversary of Kim Jong Kook’s debut in the entertainment industry.
Yoo Jae Suk Takes Center Stage as Wedding Host
Perhaps the most heartwarming aspect of this celebration is that Yoo Jae Suk, Kim Jong Kook’s longtime friend and Running Man co-host, served as the wedding ceremony’s master of ceremonies. Their friendship spans decades, making Yoo Jae Suk the perfect choice to officiate this special moment.
The decision to keep the bride’s identity private demonstrates Kim Jong Kook’s commitment to protecting his family’s privacy while still sharing his joy with fans who have supported him throughout his career.
Running Man Family’s Emotional Reactions
The Running Man cast’s reaction to Kim Jong Kook’s wedding news was nothing short of emotional. Song Ji Hyo, known for her composed demeanor, was reportedly moved to tears upon hearing the announcement. On June 15, 2024, Song Ji Hyo had a candid conversation with Ji Suk Jin. When discussing the single members of the ‘Running Man’ cast, Song Ji Hyo mentioned that Kim Jong Kook was at a suitable age to get married, and seemed to be in a hurry to do so lately, showing her intuitive understanding of her co-star’s readiness for this life change.
A New Chapter for the “Sparta” of Variety Shows
Kim Jong Kook’s marriage marks the end of an era for Korean entertainment’s most famous bachelor. Known for his strict workout regimen and disciplined lifestyle that earned him the nickname “Sparta” on Running Man, fans are excited to see how married life will influence his on-screen persona.
The wedding celebration represents more than just a personal milestone—it’s a moment of joy for the entire Korean entertainment community and the millions of fans who have followed Kim Jong Kook’s journey from his early days as a singer to becoming one of Korea’s most beloved variety show personalities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who is Kim Jong Kook’s wife?
A: Kim Jong Kook married a non-celebrity bride whose identity he has chosen to keep private to protect her from public scrutiny. He has been very firm about maintaining her privacy and not revealing details about her to the media or public.
Q: When did Kim Jong Kook announce his marriage?
A: Kim Jong Kook announced his marriage on August 18, 2025, during the filming of Running Man, shocking his cast members just 18 days before his September 5 wedding date. He also shared the news with fans through a handwritten letter on his fan cafe.
