For years, Kim Jong-kook has been the subject of endless speculation about his love life, his famously private nature fueling rumors and playful teasing among fans and castmates alike. But on August 24, 2025, the beloved singer and TV personality stunned viewers and his own colleagues with a marriage announcement that no one—at least, no one on set—saw coming.
At the close of the August 24 episode of SBS’s hit variety show Running Man, a teaser for the next week’s installment dropped a bombshell: Kim Jong-kook, the show’s steadfast and often stoic member, was getting married. According to SBS Entertainment News, the cast entered the studio visibly rattled, exchanging incredulous looks and muttering, “Is this real? I still can’t wrap my head around it.” Ji Ye-eun and Choi Daniel, both clearly in the dark, pressed their fellow cast members for answers. The tension in the room was palpable—until Ji Ye-eun turned directly to Kim and blurted out, “Are you getting married? Is it a wedding?”
Kim Jong-kook, never one for theatrics, replied with characteristic calm: “Yes, I’m getting married. I’m tying the knot. I’ll live well.” The confirmation sent jaws dropping and the cast into a flurry of disbelief. As Star Today reported, the moment was as genuine as it was shocking, with the cast insisting they’d heard the news for the first time that day.
The surprise didn’t end with the announcement. Ji Suk-jin, ever the quick wit, quipped, “If you were born a long time ago, you’d have been part of the Independence Army—you never breathe a word,” drawing laughter from the group and breaking the tension. According to Running Man fans, this was classic Kim Jong-kook: fiercely loyal, intensely private, and always a step ahead when it comes to keeping secrets.
The episode, which was filmed a few days prior but only aired on August 24, captured the raw, unscripted reactions of the cast. As AllKpop detailed, the initial shock quickly gave way to a wave of emotion. Song Ji-hyo, one of Kim’s closest friends and a longtime co-star, was visibly moved by the news. Tears welled in her eyes as she admitted, “I’m really touched right now.” Kim, noticing her reaction, gently asked if she was crying, prompting Song to laugh through her tears and confirm just how much the announcement meant to her.
HaHa, another of Kim’s close friends and a fixture on Running Man, was equally touched. Kim recounted a humorous story from years earlier, when HaHa got married and Kim only found out at the last minute. “I promised HaHa that the only way I’d share my wedding news would be through a news article,” Kim said, laughing. “I really wasn’t going to tell HaHa until the very end.” This anecdote, shared in good humor, only underscored Kim’s reputation for discretion—and his playful rapport with his friends.
Perhaps most remarkable was the way old predictions resurfaced in light of the news. As reported by AllKpop, fans quickly unearthed comments Song Ji-hyo had made the previous year, speculating that Kim Jong-kook must be dating someone because he seemed “a lot less angry” and joking that he might be planning a wedding. In hindsight, these remarks seem almost prophetic, adding a layer of serendipity to the unfolding story.
But the wedding announcement wasn’t just a television stunt. Behind the scenes, Kim Jong-kook had already shared the news with his most devoted supporters. On August 18, 2025, he posted a handwritten letter on his fan café, personally informing his fans of his plans to marry. According to Star Today, the letter was heartfelt and sincere, a gesture that resonated deeply with the community that has supported him through decades in the spotlight.
The wedding itself is set for September 5, 2025. In keeping with his private nature, Kim will host a small, intimate ceremony, inviting only family and close acquaintances. This decision, as reported by multiple outlets, reflects his desire to keep the occasion meaningful and free from the glare of public scrutiny—a rare move in an industry where celebrity weddings often become media spectacles.
As the news rippled through the entertainment world, reactions poured in from fans and industry colleagues alike. Many praised Kim for maintaining his privacy in an age of constant surveillance and speculation. Others expressed admiration for the way he chose to share the news: first with those closest to him, then with his fans, and finally with the wider public through Running Man. The emotional responses from his castmates—tears, laughter, and heartfelt congratulations—spoke volumes about the bonds formed over years of working together.
Ji Ye-eun, who found herself at the center of the unfolding drama, captured the mood perfectly when she said she was saving the wedding date on her phone calendar and was “so happy” for Kim. Song Ji-hyo, still wiping away tears, clapped with joy and declared, “I’m a little touched.” Even Ji Suk-jin, who had just learned the news moments earlier, couldn’t help but marvel at Kim’s ability to keep such a life-changing event under wraps, joking again about Kim’s “independence fighter” spirit.
For fans of Running Man, Kim Jong-kook’s wedding marks the end of an era—and the beginning of a new chapter. His journey from fiercely guarded bachelor to soon-to-be husband has played out in real time, with all the twists, turns, and heartfelt moments that have made the show a staple of Korean television.
As the September 5 date approaches, speculation continues about the identity of Kim’s bride and the details of the ceremony, but for now, one thing is clear: Kim Jong-kook’s wedding is more than just a celebrity event. It’s a moment of genuine joy, shared by friends, fans, and castmates who have watched his story unfold over the years. And for those who have followed his journey, the news is both a surprise and a long-awaited celebration.
Sometimes, the most carefully guarded secrets are the sweetest to share—and for Kim Jong-kook and his Running Man family, this is one announcement that will be remembered for years to come.
