Kim Jong-kook Addresses Marriage Rumors on '틈만 나면'

On January 21, 2025, Kim Jong-kook appeared on SBS's '틈만 나면' alongside his close friend Cha Tae-hyun, who recently turned 50. The show kicked off with an energetic opening, showcasing the lively banter among hosts Yoo Jae-suk, Yoo Yeon-seok, Cha Tae-hyun, and Kim Jong-kook.

The conversation quickly turned to the topic of Kim Jong-kook's rumored marriage. Yoo Yeon-seok playfully asked, "Isn't there a woman in LA? I heard there's a baby involved." Kim Jong-kook sighed, seemingly at a loss for words, and responded, "Because of Cha Tae-hyun, the older folks think I got married in LA," before jokingly adding, "My child is already growing up in LA." Cha Tae-hyun chimed in with laughter, saying, "Jong-kook will be a grandfather by 2025," which led to more laughter as they transformed the marriage rumors into a joke about Kim Jong-kook becoming a grandfather.

The discussion continued with Yoo Jae-suk and Cha Tae-hyun trying to set up the 50-year-old Kim Jong-kook, who is still single. Cha Tae-hyun asked Yoo Jae-suk how he felt about turning 50, to which Yoo replied, "Not great." Kim Jong-kook reflected, "There wasn't much change in my 40s, but having a family and children in my 50s feels different from being single."

Yoo Yeon-seok pointed out, "But you don’t have kids, right?" making Kim Jong-kook laugh. Yoo Jae-suk added, "Marriage and having children are personal choices," but Kim Jong-kook expressed, "I feel like time is passing me by while my friends are getting married and having kids."

Cha Tae-hyun reassured him, saying, "It’s okay; you don’t have to be a first-time groom," to which Kim Jong-kook agreed, stating, "I’m not closing myself off to the idea."

Yoo Jae-suk then humorously noted, "Jong-kook is not single; he’s already connecting with many fitness enthusiasts." Cha Tae-hyun joked that Kim Jong-kook would be a hit on the reality dating show '나는 솔로' (I Am Solo), to which Kim Jong-kook retorted, "I’ll handle my marriage myself!" Meanwhile, Yoo Yeon-seok suggested, "How about a love barbell instead of a love stick?" which intrigued Kim Jong-kook, bringing more laughter to the set.