
Singer Kim Jong-kook's 30th anniversary debut concert sold out all seats, reaffirming his popularity. Kim Jong-kook will hold a performance titled "The Originals" on October 18 and 19 at Blue Square SOL Travel Hall in Yongsan-gu, Seoul. Tickets for this concert sold out quickly as soon as they went on sale on the 15th. This is seen as another proof of Kim Jong-kook's sustained popularity over his 30-year career.
"The Originals" is a stage that encompasses Kim Jong-kook's musical journey, featuring a diverse setlist from his Turbo era hits to his representative solo songs. Additionally, special stage productions and guest performances are prepared to express gratitude to fans who have supported him unwaveringly over the years. Kim Jong-kook said, "I am who I am today thanks to the fans who have been with me for 30 long years. This concert will be like a festival that I and the fans create together."
The concert organizer stated, "Kim Jong-kook's music that spans generations and his sincere stage will be an unforgettable gift to fans," and added, "We are also considering additional regional performances for fans who could not get tickets due to the quick sellout." Kim Jong-kook debuted in 1995 as a member of the group Turbo, releasing hit songs such as "Black Cat Nero" and "Love Is...". He later transitioned to a solo career, hitting numerous songs like "One Man," "Lovely," and "Standing Still," establishing himself as a national singer. He is also active in variety shows, communicating with the public across all generations with his friendly charm.
On September 5, Kim Jong-kook held an unofficial wedding ceremony with a non-celebrity bride. The wedding was conducted under strict security, and the bride's identity, the wedding location, and the guests were kept undisclosed, drawing public attention. After the wedding, Kim Jong-kook apologized, saying, "I am sorry to those who felt fatigue due to news related to me."
On the September 14 broadcast of SBS variety show "Running Man," curiosity about Kim Jong-kook's wife poured in. Ji Seok-jin asked, "Is she someone I know?" Kim Jong-kook replied, "She's someone you don't know. She's not from the entertainment industry." Haha mentioned, "I thought sister-in-law would be someone who likes sports, but she's not at all," to which Kim Jong-kook responded, "Still, she fully understands my work."
On the same day's broadcast of SBS's "My Ugly Duckling," the conversation about Kim Jong-kook's wife continued. When Kim Dong-hyun said, "I can't give in because of sports either," Kim Jong-kook revealed, "I'm the only one who fought because of sports. We fought a lot because of sports." Kim Hee-chul mentioned various rumors circulating online, saying, "Isn't she someone you met at the gym?" Kim Jong-kook firmly stated, "My wife has nothing to do with sports. All the articles circulating on the internet are not true." He emphasized, "She is not from LA as the rumors say, nor is she a cosmetics CEO, nor the daughter of an English instructor." Kim Jong-kook added, "Not even close to the truth. Everything except the gender is wrong. The only true thing is that we are married."
Since Kim Jong-kook's marriage announcement, interest in his private life has surged. However, he has kept his wife's personal information strictly confidential and clearly addressed the rumors. Kim Jong-kook's statements have served to reveal that many speculations circulating online were groundless.
Kim Jong-kook plans to continue communicating with fans in both his musical activities and personal life. Interest in his concerts and married life is expected to continue.