Kim Jong-kook

Kim Jong-Kook was born on April 25, 1976. Jong-Kook is a South Korean singer, actor, entertainer, and TV personality. He is better known as one of the two members of the band, Turbo.

In the beginning, he was a part of the Korean Duo Turbo in 1995, but with the passage of time, he chased a successful career as a solo artist. That particular solo was known to be one of the famous idols of that time and sold out millions of albums in South Korea and Asia.

Early Life of Kim Jong-Kook

Being born in Hapcheon in the Province of Gyeongsang, South Korea, Kim belongs to an ordinary family; however, he currently lives in Anyang with his parents and elder brother.

Kim was born in Hapcheon in the Province of Gyeongsang, South Korea.
Source: Pinterest

Kim stated that his father was from the military and got very strict discipline as his father was a man of words. He actually learned to be careful towards his spending through his father's characteristics. Seeing his mom suffer silently since a young age, he shows immense love towards her.

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From a very small age, he often sang rock songs. Later feeling motivated, he decided to join a singing audition with his family's support and encouragement. He was given the nickname of "Young Master of Hapcheon." 

Career and Achievements

Apart from being a triple Daesang award-winning singer, he has also taken part in a variety of shows like "X-Man" and "Family Outing." He was known to the world as part of the SBS variety ongoing show called "Running Man."

Kim Jong singing in a show
Photo Source: Twitter

Kim studied at Myeong Hak Elementary School, where he was considered to be the most influential person and named "Axe Kim." He pursued his further studies in Shin Seong Middle High School and later graduated from Hansei University. Finally, he then got his master's degree from the Pop Culture Performing Arts - School of Arts Department of Dankook University. 

Turbo Days Of Kim Jong-Kook

In 1995, Kim first entered the Korean music industry with another member Kim Jong-Nam, as a part of the duo, Turbo, which gained popularity because of its music. 

Kim began his music career with Kim Jong-Nam.
Source: Wikipedia

They both worked together and brought out hit songs like "Black Cat," "Jazz Bar," and "My Childhood Dreams." This duo got banned after few years because Kim talked about how they were abused and threatened during the "Talkshow - Strong Heart" in Management agency in early 2000.

Kim Led a Successful Solo Career

Kim Jong-kook faced many problems settling down as a solo artist after Turbo failed. Availability of songs from composers, no support from agencies, and change of music taste in fans made him a solo artist fail. 

Kim Jong-kook also led a solo career as a music artist.
Source: Channel-K

However, in 2004 he produced a second album, "Evolution," with a successful comeback that spawned the hit single "one man." Furthermore, he became a permanent cast member of the popular variety game show "X-Man," which made him more popular than before.

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His third album, "This Is Me," was released in 2005, which sold 300,000 copies and was known to be one of the best-selling albums in Korea that year. "Lovable" was at the first position in various music charts and even used in online games like Pump It Up and Audition Online. 

Kim was awarded the Daesang Award, artist of the year from all major Korean stations, SBS, KBS, and MBC, and the second artist who accomplished this feat since Cho Yong-Pil in the 1980s. 

Who is Kim Dating?

The 44 aged Kim is single at the present time. In fact, he was rumored to settle down with his co-worker Ji Hyo. However, in a recent interview, he clarified that they're just friends and they couldn't be more than friends.

Kim and Ji-Hyo
Photo Source: Channel Korea

Some rumors on Yoon Eun Hye and Kim Jong Kook were raised in those times, which was also friendship and nothing more than friends.

Kim Jong-Kook's Net Worth

The Golden Disk Award-winning Kim has a net worth of around $16 million, which he accumulated from his professional acting, singing career. 

Kim is in the entertainment industry since 1995. From the professional works, he is earning an impressive sum of wealth. As an actor, he has made his appearance in films and series such as The Girl Who Sees Smells, The Producers, Wonderful Radio, The Sound of Your Heart, etc. 

The 5-feet-9-inch (176 cm) tall Kim Jong-kook has also hosted the 2018 SBS Entertainment Awards and 2020 APAN Music Awards. 

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