K-pop’s favorite star Kim Jong-kook, has dropped some news that has stunned fans: his secret wedding! The “Running Man” ace and fitness guru decided to marry well out of the public eye, with a private ceremony with only family and friends in attendance. What has many people buzzing even more is that we don’t even know who Kim’s wife is! With timing of engagement, to planning and then the wedding, Kim Jong-kook is entering a new chapter of life, and now the ghost of his bride has fans on alert awaiting updates on wedding details wedding, and on when – and how – is Kim Jong-kook going to let the world know what his incredible secret is!
Marriage Date & Announcement
On September 5, 2025, Kim Jong-kook finally got married in a small and private ceremony, which is in stark contrast to other celebrity weddings, because of the secrecy involved. The first source able to share the news was through Kim’s YouTube channel ‘Jip Jongguk‘ where Kim personally delivered the surprise announcement to his fans.
What shocked everyone even more, was that neither his manager nor most of his closest friends were aware of his marriage plan. Kim stated that he wanted the wedding to be small and he only invited his immediate family and a few close friends. He explained to the fans he wanted a “small private wedding ceremony” for Kim, the most important thing was love and sincerity before wedding publicity.

Guest List & Attendance
Kim Jong-kook’s wedding may have been intimate, but he had some of the biggest stars from Korean entertainment in attendance. Most notably, Yoo Jae-suk, Kim’s long-time friend troupe member, not only attended, but officiated the ceremony, lending the moment even more weight. Other well-known faces included Ji Suk-jin, Haha, Song Ji-hyo, Cha Tae-hyun, Jang Hyuk, Yang Se-chan, PD Choi Hyung in, Hong Kyung-min, Joo Woo-jae, Kang Hoon, Seo Jang-hoon, Jonathan, and Shorry.
In addition to his celebrity friends, Kim invited a few personal connections – the stylist, the manager, the lawyer, even friends from workout groups. This certainly lent a very family-like quality to the ceremony.
One surprise that fans were quick to notice was the absence of Lee Kwang-soo who has worked with Kim for more than ten years on Running Man. Lee was unable to attend the ceremony due to prior commitments in Vietnam promoting his film Love Barista.
Interestingly, the wedding was so secretive, that celebrity friends were told to come without their managers, keeping the event as private and intimate as Kim intended.
About the Wife
One of the most exciting things about Kim Jong-kook’s marriage, is the mystery behind his wife’s identity. Kim revealed that she is a civilian and not a celebrity, but it seems he is keeping her details private at this stage.
When asked about why he married, Kim responded, “I’m doing it because I love her. There is no reason.” He conversely added, “Everything is perfect,” shyly indicating his affections.
According to his personality, the wedding was secretive, small, and intimate, focusing on love and sincerity rather than showmanship.
This secrecy has only fueled public curiosity with fans anxiously awaiting the moment when Kim shares more about his wife. For now, the mystery continues, while the buzz continues around the newlyweds.
Fans’ Reactions
The news of Kim Jong-kook’s nuptials sent a wave of buzz across social media, mixing excitement and curiosity over this special occasion. Fans who teased him as one of the “forever bachelors” in the entertainment industry were unable to hide their thrill at the surprise announcement.
Many wrote playful and heartfelt comments like:
- “Finally, one of the ‘My Ugly Duckling’ sons graduates.”
- “I thought he was going to exercise forever, but he is a romantic when it comes to love.”
- “I am so curious about his civilian wife.”
For supporters who have been a part of his journey through music, variety, and personal affairs, the wedding represented a significant moment not just for Kim, but for all of us.
Friends’ & Running Man Cast Reactions
The wedding of Kim Jong-kook even elicited both heartfelt feelings and hilarious responses from some of his closest friends, particularly his fellow Running Man cast members for years and years!
- Yoo Jae Suk mentioned that he’d sensed something was going on as soon as Kim bought the new house. Yoo was a significant factor as he did not just attend the wedding; he also officiated the ceremony, which made the day even more meaningful.
- Haha was very emotional about the day, even crying, while jokingly referring to it as a “spiritual wedding,” and poking fun at Kim for finally having a real “sister-in-law.”
- Jonathan and some friends teased Kim to spark curiosity about past rumors (that had floated around for many years), including the infamous “LA woman.” Kim simply chuckled at the rumors, explaining instead that his wife is simply a caring and gentle ordinary person.
The Running Man family overall had a a mix of shock, laughter, and genuine joy reacting to the day of Kim’s wedding, showcasing their bonding with Kim starting a new chapter of his life.
Humor & Personality Touch
Even when announcing one of the biggest things in his life, Kim Jong-kook’s signature humor was present and obvious. When asked about when he was getting married, he laughed and said “At my age, a speeding ticket is a blessing.”
This humorous comment, alongside his jovial teasing of friends, highlighted that side of Kim that fans love the most — sincere, humble, and humorous. The supportive response of his friends and the laughter and warmth from the audience showed the way Kim kept the lightheartedness of the environment, while transitioning into a new stage of life.
Kim Jong-kook’s Apology After the Wedding Buzz
Just days after his tightly secured wedding in Seoul, Kim Jong-kook addressed the public directly through his YouTube channel. While fans were excited, the constant curiosity and secrecy led to what some described as “wedding fatigue.”
Kim bowed his head in apology, saying:
- “I would like to thank everyone who congratulated me on my marriage. I will work hard.”
- “I apologize for not being able to share much due to holding the ceremony quietly for various reasons.”
- “I am sorry to those who felt fatigued due to news related to me, and grateful to everyone who has supported and understood my new beginning.”
He explained that the decision to keep the venue and guest list private was out of respect for his wife’s wish to avoid the spotlight. Addressing online rumors of premarital pregnancy, Kim clarified with humor, saying it was “not a speeding violation.”
The singer’s sincerity once again showed his humility and personality — balancing love, privacy, and respect for his fans.
Conclusion
Kim Jong-kook’s secret wedding has turned into one of the most talked-about events in K-pop, not because of its glamour, but because of its simplicity, intimacy, and mystery. From the surprise announcement on his YouTube channel to the star-studded yet tightly secured guest list, every detail reflected his desire for sincerity over spectacle.
While the identity of his wife remains a mystery, Kim’s heartfelt words about love and perfection highlight the personal happiness behind the secrecy. His later apology to fans for the “wedding fatigue” also showed his humility, respect, and genuine care for public sentiment.
As fans eagerly wait for more glimpses into his married life — possibly through variety shows like My Ugly Duckling — one thing is clear: Kim Jong-kook has entered a new chapter filled with love, humor, and maturity. His journey as a husband is just beginning, and the excitement around it proves that even in secrecy, his star power continues to shine.