'1 Night 2 Days' and 'Now, We Are Coming'. The icon of long-running entertainment programs representing Korea is none other than the leader of Koyote, Kim Jong-min. In April, he opened a new chapter in his life by marrying a non-celebrity who is 11 years younger, and he also celebrated the 700th episode of 'Now, We Are Coming.' We met Kim Jong-min, who activated his work mode again just a day after returning from his honeymoon and is feeling a greater sense of responsibility.

In an interview with OSEN, Kim Jong-min candidly shared the secrets to his 20-plus years in the spotlight and his excitement for the future as he builds a new family through his recent marriage.

▲ '25 years without controversy'… the history of Kim Jong-min's 'long run'

Since officially debuting as Koyote in 2000, Kim Jong-min has maintained nearly 25 years of clean activities without controversy, establishing himself as a representative 'long-run' star in the entertainment industry. As a member of KBS2's '1 Night 2 Days' for 18 years, he received the KBS Entertainment Award in 2016, and since 2021, he has consistently proven his presence by winning the 'Entertainer of the Year' award each year. He is also active in various long-running programs such as Channel A's 'Now, We Are Coming.'

Kim Jong-min's secret to his long run is not just built on his entertainment skills. He noted about his positive attitude, 'I have a mindset of not making enemies out of everyone,' realizing that getting angry and irritable ultimately causes only himself harm. He also showed warm leadership as the eldest brother, saying to his juniors, 'Even if you make mistakes, I don't try to punish or scold. That makes you shrink back and unable to show your true self.'

In particular, Kim Jong-min revealed his unique 'entertainment philosophy.' He stated, 'I think it’s something I learned from starting my social life early. If I demand something like an increase in appearance fees, then I need to deliver that much and show it, right? That pressure felt quite big. So, there are times when I don’t demand an increase in fees first.' He explained that having a non-greedy attitude reduces pressure, allowing him to perform better and continue a long run on the program.

▲ 45-year-old 'new groom' Kim Jong-min, a future blossoming amid stability

Maintaining a stable career and attitude toward life, Kim Jong-min, at 45 years old in 2025, opened a new chapter by finding a life partner. On April 20, he tied the knot with his 11-year-younger non-celebrity wife at the Shilla Hotel in Seoul. Fellow entertainers such as Yoo Jae-seok, Cho Sae-ho, and Moon Se-yoon attended in large numbers to congratulate his marriage, adding warmth to the occasion. After returning from their honeymoon in France, Kim Jong-min couldn't hide his happy feelings in an interview held just a day after.

Kim Jong-min stated about marriage, 'It's so amazing to feel excitement about the future. It's the same excitement as wondering if we can still hold hands when we get older.' He mentioned that after dating his wife for about two and a half years, he felt 'very comfortable, and she never did anything I disliked,' which gave him confidence in marriage.

He went on to discuss his plans for children, saying, 'Not yet,' but added, 'We have talked about it. We plan to be healthier, exercise more, and have kids. I mentioned that two kids are the goal during the wedding, and I feel like I should have them soon, but I'm trying not to rush and go according to our plan.' He expressed excitement as an 'expectant dad,' adding that he wants both a daughter and a son, but the order or gender doesn't matter.

▲ 'Icon of empathy' Kim Jong-min, deepening life's wisdom with a new family

Kim Jong-min's marriage has positively influenced his professional role. He stated that through his appearance on 'Now, We Are Coming,' he has broadened his understanding of North Korea and international affairs and has learned to 'think more comprehensively.' Kim Jong-min shared, 'My family love has deepened through 'Now, We Are Coming.' When dealing with separated families or hearing stories about being separated during the defection process, I imagine 'what if I were separated from my family?' but I don’t even want to imagine that. It would be so hard emotionally, and just the thought of not being able to see my family would be too difficult.' Through the program, Kim Jong-min's family love has deepened, and his thoughts about family have become more affectionate.

Amid his busy schedule switching between '1 Night 2 Days' and 'Now, We Are Coming,' Kim Jong-min is evolving into a deeper entertainer based on the excitement and responsibility he gained from his marriage to his wife. With a positive attitude toward life and a humble philosophy, Kim Jong-min continues his long run. In the happiness of starting a new family, his future efforts as an 'icon of empathy' are eagerly anticipated.

[OSEN]