Kim Jong-kook Caught in Divorce Rumors Amid Secret Marriage and Lavish Home Purchase

Kim Jong-kook, who secretly married a non-celebrity last September, is now embroiled in sudden divorce rumors. The singer had previously purchased a luxury villa in Nonhyeon-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, for 6.2 billion won in cash as their newlywed home.

On the October 19th episode of KBS2's variety show 'Problem Child in House Season 2' (hereafter 'Problem Child'), the second part featuring 'the first legal couple in the entertainment industry,' Yoon Yoo-sun and Lee Sung-ho, aired.

During the show, a quiz question was posed: 'Why do divorced couples file lawsuits again in London, UK?' Kim Jong-kook responded, 'It's not because of alimony but because of property division. Alimony is usually not much. Property division is significant.'

Song Eun-i asked, 'Did you look into it?' and Joo Woo-jae added, 'Are you preparing for a divorce?' A flustered Kim Jong-kook clarified, 'No, a close friend is a famous divorce lawyer.'

The correct answer was that couples can refile for property division lawsuits in London. Joo Woo-jae suspiciously noted, 'Didn't Jong-kook hyung go to the UK recently? I think it was a month ago.' Kim Jong-kook raised his voice, saying, 'I went to watch soccer, you guys!' In this coincidental situation, Kim Jong-kook repeatedly explained, 'I've heard a lot about divorce. I have a close friend.'

Lee Sung-ho shared his experiences with family law cases. He stated, 'Family law cases don't have clear winners or losers. The more trials there are, the more tangled the couple's relationship becomes. Both sides end up hurt with no winner.' Yoon Yoo-sun and Lee Sung-ho also shared their own marital conflict stories, revealing that their most serious fight was over 'bed mattress delivery,' which made the 'Problem Child' MCs burst into laughter, calling it 'so childish.'

Following a quiz about 'Ted Bundy's shocking action towards a female witness,' Lee Sung-ho discussed the 'Molar Dad case' he handled as a judge. He had delivered a satisfying verdict with a death sentence, aligning with public sentiment, earning him the nickname 'Sailor Moon Judge' for his phrase 'In the name of justice' in the verdict. He reflected, 'Although our country doesn't carry out actual executions, I believe a death sentence holds meaning. I put a lot of effort into each sentence and word of the lengthy verdict.'

Yoon Yoo-sun expressed admiration, saying, 'Seeing this side of him makes me respect him.' However, she quickly added, 'But he's mischievous with me,' to which Lee Sung-ho replied, 'The toughest challenge for me is my wife,' reigniting their playful marital banter.

Lee Sung-ho also shared the challenges and rewards of being a judge. He revealed, 'There are many defendants who curse in court. I've received threatening letters from resentful inmates, which can be chilling on the way home. I handle it as part of my job, but I feel sorry for my family whose faces are known.'

Yoon Yoo-sun added, 'During his busy criminal case period, I used to worry and tell him not to stay out too late.' She also expressed pride, saying, 'Many people are grateful. I've heard stories of people who gave up thoughts of suicide and chose to live a life of service because the judge cleared their injustice.'

The show also featured fresh quizzes like 'A ghost newly created in 'Legend of the Blue Sea' breaking away from traditional images passed down since the Joseon Dynasty' and 'The surgical method chosen by medical staff to preserve the left-hand sensation of a violinist who lost a malignant brain tumor,' while reflecting on Yoon Yoo-sun's 52-year acting career. Kim Sook asked Lee Sung-ho, 'What would you do if Yoon Yoo-sun had to perform a bed scene or a passionate melodrama scene?' heating up the atmosphere.

Yoon Yoo-sun revealed, 'He used to encourage me to do melodrama scenes with gratitude.' Hong Jin-kyung teased, 'He might say that, but if he actually saw you in a bed scene, he'd probably cry,' to which Yoon Yoo-sun responded, 'I feel bad because he seems confident that no melodrama offers will come my way.'

As the show wrapped up, 'playful husband' Lee Sung-ho attempted a change of pace, adding humor. Throughout the recording, he had made Yoon Yoo-sun blush with his mischievous jokes, but suddenly began showering her with compliments. Joo Woo-jae laughed, 'As it's time to go home, he suddenly makes a U-turn,' and Hong Jin-kyung remarked, 'He's suddenly flattering her too much,' causing laughter.

Lee Sung-ho countered, 'As a stern judge, I don't flatter,' but then reverted to his 'playful husband' mode, making risky remarks that left the MCs speechless. Kim Sook commented, 'Why haven't you two appeared on a talk show before?' giving a thumbs-up to Yoon Yoo-sun and Lee Sung-ho's spicy couple chemistry.

Finally, Lee Sung-ho set aside his 'playful husband' persona and expressed gratitude towards Yoon Yoo-sun, saying, 'During our silver wedding anniversary, I realized that my wife is the person who has spent the most time with me, cares for me the most, and is the only one who can tolerate my whims. The most precious person is my wife.'

The MCs, who had been on edge due to Lee Sung-ho's explosive remarks, finally cheered at his heartwarming words. Yoon Yoo-sun also expressed affection, saying, 'My husband isn't always to my liking, but the process of comforting and living together is like having a long-time friend.'

Tae Yuna, TenAsia Reporter youyou@tenasia.co.kr