Kim Jong-kook Announces Surprise Marriage Amidst 'My Little Old Boy' Controversy

Singer Kim Jong-kook surprised fans with a marriage announcement on the 18th. Currently appearing on the popular show 'My Little Old Boy,' Kim's announcement adds to the list of three cast members who have tied the knot this year. Despite criticism that married individuals do not align with the show's concept, these members continue to participate, raising questions about the show's identity.

Kim Jong-kook shared the news on his fan cafe, stating, "I've always prepared myself for the day I'd write this, but now that it's here, I'm more nervous and excited than I imagined. I'm getting married." He added, "This year marks my 30th anniversary since debut, and instead of making an album, I found my other half. Please congratulate and support me. It's late, but I'm grateful to be going this way." He also mentioned plans for a small, quiet wedding soon.

Kim is a cast member of SBS's variety show 'My Little Old Boy,' where mothers narrate and observe their sons' daily lives, akin to a 'parenting diary.' The show features both 'divorced' and 'single' sons, including Tak Jae-hoon, Lim Won-hee, Lee Sang-min, Kim Jun-ho, and Lee Dong-gun as 'divorced,' and Kim Jong-min, Kim Jong-kook, Kim Hee-chul, Choi Jin-hyuk, Heo Kyung-hwan, Han Hye-jin, and Kim Seung-soo as 'single.' Among them, Lee Sang-min, Kim Jun-ho, and Kim Jong-min have married this year but continue to appear on the show.

Notably, Lee Sang-min and Kim Jun-ho have showcased their newlywed homes on 'My Little Old Boy' while still participating in the show 'Dolsing Four Men,' which features divorced men.

These three have faced calls to leave the show since their relationship announcements. Viewers question, "Why are they on 'My Little Old Boy' when they're married?" and "Do they need a parenting diary when they have families?" suggesting they no longer fit the show's premise.

However, Kim Jong-kook's situation is slightly different. His last appearance on 'My Little Old Boy' was on June 29. Having been a regular since 2018, he hasn't appeared for nearly two months, and his mother, who frequently appeared in the studio, has also been absent in August.

Despite this, the show's producers confirmed on the 19th that "there are no changes in the cast, and no discussions are underway," solidifying Kim Jong-kook's continued participation. This has intensified calls for the show to reconsider its format and concept.

One viewer commented, "'My Little Old Boy' is ignoring viewer demands. It's questionable how many viewers will remain for a show that doesn't consider its audience."

By Da-yeon Jeong, TenAsia Reporter light@tenasia.co.kr