Kim Jong Kook

Kim Jong Kook (김종국; born April 25, 1976, Hapcheon, South Gyeongsang Province) is one of South Korea's most enduring entertainers: a three-decade chart veteran, fitness icon, and permanent variety television fixture.

He debuted in 1995 as half of Turbo alongside Kim Jung-nam, a partnership that defined the dance-pop sound of the mid-1990s and sold millions of albums across Asia. The second album Black Cat (1996) produced the landmark hit 'Back to You.' His 2005 solo album This Is Me earned him a triple Daesang at the Golden Disk Awards, the Korean Music Awards, and the Seoul Music Awards, cementing his status among Korea's premier vocalists. His 2011 comeback single 'Loveable' reached No. 1.

Since 2010 he has been a fixed cast member of Running Man (SBS), one of South Korea's longest-running variety programs, earning the nickname 'Commander' for his physical strength. His fitness YouTube channel GYM Jong Kook, launched in June 2021, has attracted millions of subscribers. He won the Baeksang Arts Award for Best Male Variety Performer in 2023.

In September 2025, he signed an exclusive contract with Galaxy Corporation, joining stablemates G-Dragon and Song Kang-ho as he marked his 30th debut anniversary. His Spotify catalog draws over 300,000 monthly listeners.