In a move that took both his fans and closest colleagues by surprise, veteran singer and television personality Kim Jong-kook has officially announced his marriage, ending years of speculation about his private life. On August 24, 2025, viewers of the long-running SBS variety show Running Man (also known as 'Run Dong-mil') witnessed a heartfelt moment as Kim revealed his upcoming wedding to his fellow cast members—a revelation that left even the most stoic among them visibly moved.
The news first broke in a subtle but sincere way. On August 18, Kim posted a handwritten letter to his fan cafe, 'Papitus.' The letter began with the simple but powerful words, "I'm getting married." Kim shared, "I wanted my fans to be the first to know," and admitted, "I’ve been giving little hints here and there, but I’m sure many of you still found this sudden." He went on to reflect on the milestone, noting, "This year marks my 30th anniversary since debut, and while I haven’t made a new album, I have found my other half. It’s late, but I’m grateful to be taking this step. I hope you will celebrate with me." According to bnt News, Kim’s fiancée is a non-celebrity, and their wedding will take place privately on September 5, 2025, in Seoul, attended only by family and close friends.
The secrecy surrounding the wedding was so well maintained that even Kim’s Running Man castmates and production crew were unaware until the very day of the recording. As reported by Max Movie, the shock was palpable. Yoo Jae-seok, a fixture of the show and one of Kim’s closest friends, admitted, "I found out today, too." Ji Suk-jin, another long-time member, was so impressed by Kim’s ability to keep the secret that he quipped, "If you were born in another era, you’d have been a member of the independence fighters!" Song Ji-hyo, who over the years has been paired with Kim in numerous on-screen 'business couple' scenarios, was seen tearing up, saying, "Oh, I’m really touched right now." The moment was so emotional that the show’s preview for the following week highlighted her tears and the caption, “Bachelor Kim Jong-kook is finally getting married.”
Kim himself, always known for his reserved and sometimes stoic demeanor, seemed almost bashful as he told his friends, "I’m going. I’m finally getting married. I’ll do my best to live well." According to Sports Chosun, Kim’s emotional response and the reactions of his colleagues underscored just how much the announcement meant to everyone involved. HaHa, another Running Man regular and one of Kim’s closest friends, was reportedly left speechless by the news. In a lighthearted callback to the past, Kim reminded HaHa that he once learned of HaHa’s own marriage through the press and had joked that he’d do the same. True to his word, Kim kept his own plans under wraps until the last possible moment.
The backdrop for this announcement was the filming of the 767th episode of Running Man, a special “Lucky Couple Race” filmed at an actual wedding hall and featuring guest stars Jang Dong-yoon and Kim Ah-young. The preview, which aired on August 24, quickly went viral, with fans and the public alike eager to see the full reactions of the cast. The episode was originally slated to air on September 7, but due to overwhelming interest, the production team moved up the broadcast to August 31. In the days following the announcement, Kim Jong-kook’s name dominated online search rankings, and speculation about his new home—a luxury villa reportedly purchased for 6.2 billion won earlier in the year—ran rampant. Despite earlier rumors sparked by the purchase, Kim and his agency had declined to comment at the time, keeping the public guessing.
The secrecy and the scale of the surprise have made this one of the most talked-about celebrity weddings in recent memory. According to bnt News, the anticipation for the wedding episode is so high that it has already been dubbed a “breakthrough” in Korean variety show history for its genuine emotion and the cast’s unfiltered reactions. The fact that Kim’s bride-to-be is not a celebrity has only fueled curiosity, and the couple’s decision to keep the ceremony private has been widely respected by fans and media alike.
What makes this story resonate so deeply is not just the star power of Kim Jong-kook, but the genuine bonds among the Running Man cast. For nearly 15 years, these entertainers have worked together, weathering ups and downs both on and off the screen. Kim’s journey from a fiercely private bachelor to a soon-to-be husband has played out in the public eye, but the sincerity of his announcement and the emotional response from his colleagues have struck a chord far beyond the show’s loyal fan base.
As Max Movie detailed, Kim’s announcement came after a period of introspection. During a recent episode, he reflected, "I want to go to the top, I will try hard." He also admitted that he had wanted to make a new album for his 30th anniversary, but instead found himself choosing to build a new life with his partner. The decision was not made lightly, and Kim was visibly moved during the broadcast, even shedding tears—a rare sight for someone known for his tough persona.
The wedding itself, set for September 5, will be a low-key affair, with only family and close acquaintances in attendance. The choice reflects Kim’s desire for privacy and intimacy, even as he continues to live much of his life in the public eye. As the date approaches, fans are left to speculate about the identity of Kim’s fiancée, but the prevailing sentiment is one of happiness and support for the couple.
In the end, Kim Jong-kook’s wedding announcement is more than just celebrity gossip—it’s a reminder of the power of genuine relationships and the joy that can come from sharing life’s milestones with those who matter most. For the Running Man family and the millions of viewers who have followed their journey, it’s a moment worth celebrating.
