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Singer Kim Jong-kook. / Source: Turbo JK Company

Singer Kim Jong-kook, 49, has announced that he is getting married.

On August 18, Kim shared the news directly with fans through his official fan café, writing, “I’m getting married.” He added, “This year marks my 30th debut anniversary, and instead of making an album, I’ve made my other half. It’s very late, but I’m grateful I can finally take this step. I’ll do my best to live well.”

Kim did not reveal details about his fiancée, saying only that the wedding will take place soon in a small, private ceremony with family, relatives, and a few close friends.

The same day, he also mentioned his marriage during the filming of SBS’s Running Man in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province, surprising cast members and guests who congratulated him warmly.

Speculation about Kim’s marriage had already circulated earlier this year. In April, reports surfaced that he had purchased a luxury 243㎡ (approximately 70-pyeong) home for 6.2 billion won in cash, prompting rumors it was intended as a newlywed home. On a broadcast, he acknowledged buying the property, commenting, “If I plan to get married, I need to be prepared.”

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A handwritten letter posted by Kim Jong-kook on his fan café announcing his marriage. / Source: Kim Jong-kook Fan Café

Kim debuted in 1995 as a member of the group Turbo, producing hits such as Reminiscence, White Love, and Twist King. He launched his solo career in 2001 with chart-topping tracks like One Man, Walking in Place, and Lovable. His third solo album in 2005, featuring Lovable, swept the grand prizes at all three major terrestrial TV music awards.

Beyond music, Kim has been a mainstay in variety television, appearing in X-Man, Family Outing, Running Man, and My Ugly Duckling. In 2020, he won the grand prize at the SBS Entertainment Awards.