It has been a few weeks since “Running Man” star Kim Jong-kook (김종국) tied the knot with his non-celebrity wife. The singer made headlines after sharing the unexpected news with fans and fellow cast members, some of whom initially thought he was playing a prank. However, when he posted a video featuring the “Running Man” cast’s reaction to the news, many suspected that Song Ji Hyo (송지효) had known about his secret relationship, as she immediately congratulated him on the engagement.
Although she appeared on camera to be genuinely happy for her friend, some viewers questioned whether Song Ji Hyo was concealing her true feelings when Jong-kook announced his marriage. Here is what she had to say in response to the rumours:
Song Ji Hyo and Kim Jong-kook are well known for their “love line” on “Running Man”, frequently being paired together for activities and tasks, and often shipped by fans around the world. In a recent interview with Korean outlet News1, the actress was asked how she felt when Jong-kook first revealed that he was getting married.
She shared that it felt as though she were sending off her own son, saying, “I’m so happy that something so wonderful has happened for him. It really felt like sending off a well-raised son to marriage. I felt so many emotions — it was really heartwarming, and seeing him so happy made me proud.” Regarding their long-running history on the popular reality show, the actress has once again made it clear, as she has done repeatedly over the years, that her relationship with her castmate is strictly professional and platonic.
“[Our love line] was purely a business relationship. I know many people wondered whether I felt heartbroken, but I never saw it that way. To me, he is family. And if, by any chance, there were people who felt disappointed because they believed he and I were truly together, then I sincerely apologise to his wife for any such misunderstandings. For us, ‘Running Man’ members, we always refer to the members’ wives as our in-laws — without exception,” she cheekily elaborated.
Also during the interview, the 44-year-old praised Jong-kook for the way he announced and organised the wedding, making sure his wife’s identity and privacy were protected. Although they may never have been real-life lovers, it is clear that the two co-stars share a special bond and hold great respect for one another.
Source: News1
