Korean singer Kim Jong-kook (김종국) has shown an unexpectedly affectionate side since his marriage. Known for his tough, straightforward, and somewhat reserved image, he recently revealed the contact name he saved for his wife in his phone. This surprising contrast left guests astonished and exposed the sweet daily life he shares with his wife after one year of marriage.
The 332nd episode of KBS 2TV's “Problem Child in House” (옥탑방의 문제아들) is set to air on November 3, featuring celebrity power couple Choi Soo-jong (최수종) and Ha Hee-ra (하희라) as guests. During the show, Kim Jong-kook discussed his newlywed life with Choi Soo-jong, who has been married for many years, and discovered they shared many similarities.
As Choi Soo-jong and Ha Hee-ra shared the contact names they saved for each other in their phones, host Joo Woo-jae (주우재) asked Kim Jong-kook, “Jong-kook hyung, how do you save your wife’s name?” Kim Jong-kook initially seemed a bit shy, stammering for a moment before bashfully revealing, “My Cutie ♥” (귀요미♥). The answer immediately surprised everyone present, as they never expected the usually rugged singer to be so romantic in private.
Kim Jong-kook also revealed a surprise he prepared for his first wedding anniversary. He shared that on the morning of their anniversary, he woke his wife with a bouquet of flowers and a handwritten letter, a sweet gesture that left everyone envious. Choi Soo-jong listened with a satisfied smile, deeply resonating with Kim Jong-kook’s devoted side.
However, Kim Jong-kook quickly defended himself against being jokingly called the “three-meals man.” Previously, during a dietary habit check on a show, he revealed that he eats his wife’s home-cooked meals for all three meals, leading guests to tease him with the nickname “the man who relies on his wife for all three meals.” He quickly explained, “I can only eat my wife’s home-cooked meals because she’s willing to prepare them for me! How could I possibly demand it from her?” His explanation brought continuous laughter to the set.
Beyond their affectionate married life, Kim Jong-kook and Choi Soo-jong also share many similarities in their frugality. Choi Soo-jong revealed that his wife, Ha Hee-ra, scolded him the day before for simply turning down the home heating. Kim Jong-kook, upon hearing this, surprisingly asked, “Are you already using the heater?” unexpectedly showcasing their shared commitment to saving expenses. Additionally, both men share a passion for football, and the show will feature more amusing anecdotes from their lives.
Kim Jong-kook quietly married his non-celebrity girlfriend last September, officially becoming a husband. However, the wedding was kept highly confidential, with no rumors leaking to the public. Even long-time friends Yoo Jae-suk (유재석) and “Year of the Dragon Club” best friend Cha Tae-hyun (차태현) were only notified a few days before the ceremony. The secrecy was likened to an entertainment industry version of a “007 secret mission.” Since his marriage, Kim Jong-kook has frequently and openly shared details of his newlywed life.
