Kim Jong Kook Faces “Wedding Guest List” Controversy — Running Man vs. My Little Old Boy Divided
Kim Jong Kook’s private wedding sparked debate after some colleagues were left out, raising talk of a “guest list hierarchy” between Running Man and My Little Old Boy.
Singer and entertainer Kim Jong Kook recently held his wedding in Seoul, but what was intended to be a quiet and intimate celebration sparked an unexpected debate. The issue emerged after his choice of wedding guests drew attention, leading to discussions of a so-called “guest list hierarchy” between colleagues from Running Man and My Little Old Boy.
The wedding, held on September 5, 2025, was a strictly private affair. With about 100 attendees in total, the event was limited to family members and close acquaintances. Yoo Jae Suk served as the host, while Kim Jong Kook himself performed the wedding song. Security was kept tight, ensuring the ceremony remained low-key. Following the event, Kim Jong Kook explained that the guest list had been restricted due to the small scale of the wedding. He clarified that he only invited people he sees at least once a week or those with whom he maintains regular contact.
Among those present were all members of Running Man Yoo Jae Suk, Ji Suk Jin, Haha, and Song Ji Hyo—as well as close friends Cha Tae Hyun, Jang Hyuk, and Hong Kyung Min. Other well-known figures such as Seo Jang Hoon and Shin Dong Yup were also in attendance. However, Kim Hee Chul and Tak Jae Hoon, both of whom appear alongside Kim Jong Kook on SBS’s My Little Old Boy, were absent from the guest list.
The matter gained attention when Kim Hee Chul addressed it directly on My Little Old Boy. In a lighthearted tone, he remarked that he felt “a sense of distance” after not being invited. He then joked that Tak Jae Hoon had also not attended, which made him feel less singled out. Though his comments were made playfully, they quickly fueled online discussions about whether Kim Jong Kook had prioritized certain colleagues over others.
Korean media outlets and netizens described the issue as a form of “guest list lineup,” implying an unspoken hierarchy in the way Kim Jong Kook organized his invitations. While some speculated about favoritism, others came to his defense, noting that weddings are deeply personal occasions where the guest list naturally reflects private relationships rather than professional obligations.
Ultimately, the debate has been more humorous than hostile, with even Kim Hee Chul himself treating the matter lightly. Still, the situation highlights how public figures in Korea often face scrutiny not only for their professional choices but also for their personal ones. For Kim Jong Kook, his wedding remains a milestone moment with his closest family and friends. Yet the discussions surrounding it underscore how, in the entertainment world, even the most private of celebrations can spark headlines and debates.
