Kim Jong-kook's Surprise Marriage Sparks 'My Little Old Boy' Controversy

Singer Kim Jong-kook has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry with his surprise marriage announcement, sparking intense discussion about his future on the SBS variety show 'My Little Old Boy' (also known as 'Mom's Diary'). In a recent YouTube video, Kim personally delivered the news to his close acquaintances, revealing, "My mother already knew. The reason I hadn't been appearing on 'My Little Old Boy' was actually because of my upcoming marriage."

He further explained, "My wife doesn't want to be in the spotlight, so we prepared a quiet wedding ceremony with only close friends and family." This unexpected confession, coupled with his vow to live the rest of his life for his wife after 50 years of living as he pleased, has captured significant attention. However, the announcement has ignited a debate regarding his continued participation in 'My Little Old Boy,' a show known for its unique format of observing the daily lives of middle-aged single male celebrities from their mothers' perspectives.

Concerns have been raised that if Kim Jong-kook remains on the show, following in the footsteps of Lee Sang-min and Kim Jun-ho who are already married but still cast members, it could lead to questions about the program's core identity. In response, the 'My Little Old Boy' production team officially stated to OSEN, "There are no changes to the cast, and nothing is currently under discussion," effectively quashing rumors of his departure.

Despite the official statement, public sentiment leans towards his exit. A poll conducted on the portal site Nate showed a staggering 91% of over 3,600 participants agreeing that "Contestants who are already married do not fit the program's purpose" and demanding their departure. This overwhelming response underscores the viewers' strong desire to maintain the show's original concept, mirroring the controversy that arose after Lee Sang-min and Kim Jun-ho's marriages.

With Kim Jong-kook's mother having previously stepped down from 'My Little Old Boy,' all eyes are now on whether he himself will naturally follow suit. Adding to the anticipation, a preview for an upcoming episode teased that Kim Jong-kook would "directly address his wife's identity," promising further buzz around his newlywed life.

Kim Jong-kook is widely recognized for his muscular physique and powerful stage presence, earning him the nickname 'original beast-dol.' His exceptional vocal abilities, combined with a consistent dedication to fitness, have established a healthy and positive image for many fans. He has also been actively engaging with his audience through his YouTube channel, showcasing a more relatable and personal side.