South Korean singer Kim Jong-kook (김종국), who recently celebrated his first wedding anniversary, surprised many by consulting a divorce lawyer. During their meeting, he posed a series of 'marriage questions,' even asking, "If my wife forces me to exercise, is that a reason for divorce?" The unexpected query quickly sparked discussion.
On May 20, Kim Jong-kook released a new video on his YouTube channel, 'GYM JONG KOOK,' titled "What Happens When a Married Man Meets a Divorce Lawyer at the Gym." The episode featured musical actors Lee Seok-hoon (이석훈) and Son Jun-ho (손준호), currently starring in the musical 'Gwanghwamun Love Song,' joining Kim Jong-kook, fitness influencer Ma Sun-ho (마선호), and divorce attorney Park Min-cheol (박민철) for a workout.
During their workout, Kim Jong-kook suddenly asked attorney Park Min-cheol, "If my wife demands that I exercise, could that be grounds for divorce?" Park Min-cheol explained, "No, it wouldn't. Simply asking your spouse to exercise cannot be a reason for divorce. At most, it falls within the scope of nagging for the family's well-being."
Upon hearing the answer, Kim Jong-kook immediately rephrased his question: "What if a husband exercises too much and neglects his family?" However, he quickly clarified, "I take good care of my family, and I exercise too." His self-deprecating humor brought laughter to the set.
Park Min-cheol then jokingly responded that if someone completely neglects their family to only focus on exercise, even playing soccer every Sunday, "that could indeed become a reason for divorce." He further quipped that if unnecessary hobbies severely impact family life, they could also be a factor in divorce. "If you go fishing every time, and it's always a two-day, one-night trip, then divorce becomes a possibility."
These remarks prompted Kim Jong-kook to quickly "prove his innocence," explaining, "Before I leave, I sort the recycling, and when I come back, I wash all the clothes." To his surprise, Park Min-cheol reassured him with a smile, "Even if you don't wash clothes or sort recycling, that level alone wouldn't constitute grounds for divorce, so you don't need to worry." Ma Sun-ho, listening nearby, couldn't help but interject, "In that case, you should just get individual counseling!" which instantly sent the set into peals of laughter.
Kim Jong-kook announced his marriage to a non-celebrity woman last September. The wedding was a private, low-key affair, attended only by family and close friends. Now, one year into his marriage, his candid discussion with a divorce lawyer about "what situations can lead to divorce" has led many viewers to jokingly call his questions "remarkably practical."
Kim Jong-kook debuted in 1995 as part of the group Turbo before transitioning to a solo career in 2001, releasing numerous hit songs like "One Man" and "Lovable." He later gained widespread popularity through variety shows such as 'Family Outing,' 'Running Man,' and 'My Little Old Boy.' In recent years, he has also actively managed his YouTube channel, which currently boasts over 3 million subscribers.
