Kim Jong-kook Announces Marriage: A New Chapter After 30 Years in the Industry

Kim Jong-kook officially announces his marriage, marking a new beginning in his 30th debut year.
Fans in Korea and worldwide celebrate the news, with heartfelt reactions flooding social media and Reddit.
From his luxury new home to his upcoming concert, here’s everything about the star’s next chapter.

Singer and entertainer Kim Jong-kook has officially announced his marriage, a piece of news that immediately drew warm congratulations from fans who have been waiting for this moment for years. Marking his 30th debut anniversary, the 49-year-old star shared the announcement through a handwritten letter posted on his official fan café, Papitus. In the letter, he wrote: “I am getting married. I know I’ve been dropping hints here and there, but it must still feel sudden for many. I will live well and work even harder.”

The wedding will be held privately in Seoul, attended only by family and close friends. A representative from Turbo JK Company, his agency, added, “Starting a new chapter in such a meaningful year makes it even more special. We hope many people will send their heartfelt blessings and support.”

Speculation about Kim Jong-kook’s marriage had been circulating for months. On variety shows such as Running Man, Problem Child in Rooftop Room, and My Little Old Boy, fellow cast members often teased him about romance, even calling his newly purchased house a “honeymoon home.” Back in June, Kim himself hinted, “Of course, I need to prepare. What can you do if you don’t even have a home when you get married?” — fueling further rumors.

A New Home, Career Milestones, and Fans’ Reactions

Earlier this year, Kim Jong-kook purchased a luxury villa in Nonhyeon-dong, Gangnam, reportedly worth 6.2 billion won in cash. Many suspected the 243㎡ residence was prepared as his future marital home. When fellow entertainers brought it up on air, he simply smiled and gestured for silence, almost confirming the whispers without saying a word.

Beyond his personal life, Kim Jong-kook remains as active as ever in his career. He is currently preparing a 30th anniversary album and a major concert scheduled for October. Having first debuted with Turbo in 1995 and later building a successful solo career with hits like One Man and Lovely, he continues to evolve as both a singer and TV personality.

Fans warmly welcomed the marriage news. On Korean online communities, comments like “We’ve known this for a while,” and “Finally, our nation’s bachelor is getting married,” quickly spread. On Reddit, where fans shared his handwritten letter, global audiences also reacted with excitement:

Some of the most upvoted comments include:

“This is shocking! He’s very secretive and I bet the members will tease him today.. it’s Monday, their taping 🤣”

“Really feels like a huge news for me. He definitely feels a lil different in recent Running Man, more cheerful. Congrats for him 🎈 🎉”

“Very unexpected but happy news! So many times hearing him talk about his desire to get married, and now it’s finally happening for him! :D”

“Whoever she is, I’m happy for him. Bro has been joked around the entirety of his RM days about getting married.😆 Best wishes to Kim Jongkook!”

“Quite a surprise! He did drop hints everywhere though; massive hint was him buying a new house. As a fan for years I’m very happy for him!! Congratulations!”

These reactions reflect how Kim Jong-kook’s marriage is not just big news in Korea, but also celebrated by international fans who have followed his journey closely.

In his letter, Kim confessed that even though he had prepared for this moment mentally, he still felt nervous actually writing it down. He thanked fans who had supported him throughout three decades, saying: “Because of your incredible support, I can face this new challenge in life. I promise to work harder and live diligently.”

With this announcement, the man long known as Korea’s “national bachelor” has officially turned the page. For many, this is not only joyful personal news but also a milestone for an artist who has remained relevant for 30 years. As he embarks on married life while continuing to thrive in music and television, fans are eager to see what new stories Kim Jong-kook will share in this exciting new chapter.

Sources: Daum, Reddit