Coyote leader Kim Jong-min cited his secret to being able to last over 20 years as an entertainer.
Kim Jong-min, who gained attention as a dancer in the choreography team "Friends" and as a dancer for Uhm Jung-hwa, began his career in the entertainment industry in 2000 through Coyote's 3rd regular album "Passion." As the leader of Korea's longest-running mixed group Coyote, Kim Jong-min shows explosive energy on stage, and he shines brightly in the entertainment world.
Although clumsy and naive, but his irresistible charm and unique sense of entertainment have made Kim Jong-min go beyond being a "blue-chip in entertainment" to becoming a "big trend." As a prominent member of KBS2's flagship entertainment program "2 Days & 1 Night," he served as a living witness and symbol, winning the grand prize at the KBS Entertainment Awards in 2016, and in 2023, he was listed among the Top 50 who have shone on KBS. Additionally, he has consistently been nominated for the KBS Entertainment Awards' "Entertainer of the Year" from 2021 to the present.
Having been with "2 Days & 1 Night" for 18 years, Kim Jong-min is also active as an MC in another long-running program, Channel A's "Now Meeting You" (hereafter referred to as Emergency). The communication variety program "Emergency," which seeks harmony between the North and South, first aired on Dec. 4, 2011, and celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2021 by renewing the MC lineup, including Nam Hee-seok, Kim Jong-min, and Heo Ji-woong. Among the MC team, Kim Jong-min plays a role in asking questions and empathizing, leading to the program's longevity.
By participating in representative long-running entertainment programs in Korea, Kim Jong-min is proving his presence. Behind this is Kim Jong-min's unique cheerfulness and positive energy. Regarding his positive personality, Kim Jong-min said, "I have a mindset of not making enemies of everyone. At first, I would get angry and annoyed, but as I got older and went through social life, I realized that getting angry and annoyed only harms me. It also harms my health, so I think it's better for me to think positively and live harmoniously with everyone."
As time flows naturally and he grows older, especially becoming the eldest member on "2 Days & 1 Night," it seems this thought has become more solidified. Kim Jong-min explained, "That's not the case. I try to shake off the burden of being the eldest. In fact, I've only lived a few more years than the others; I think we're all just living together. Just because I'm the eldest doesn't mean I have to do things in a particular way, but I do try to make my younger brothers comfortable. So, even if they make mistakes, I don't scold or intimidate them. If I do that, they will shrink away and not show their true selves."
Not only his positive personality but also his invisible efforts underpin Kim Jong-min's "long run". Known as a prominent dancer in the entertainment industry, Kim Jong-min still keeps an eye on dance and follows it closely. He stated, "The way I dance now is very different from when I was at my peak. It’s physically exhausting and sometimes my body doesn’t cooperate, but I don't have the obsession to perfectly learn the dances that are trending these days. However, I don't rest or become lazy. Everyone can relate; if you take a break or become lazy, your body won’t follow. So, I'm trying to make various efforts to keep active."
His personality, energy, and efforts come together to create the current Kim Jong-min, who brings laughter by creating a synergy and chemistry, no matter the program, MC, or co-star. Notably, Kim Jong-min has provided special laughter while collaborating with renowned "national MCs" like Lee Kyung-kyu, Yoo Jae-suk, Kang Ho-dong, Nam Hee-seok, and Jun Hyun-moo.
Regarding being referred to as a ‘keyring of national MCs,’ Kim Jong-min said, "I don't know why I harmonize so well with the national MCs. I am always grateful for the kind view they have of me. I apologize for not being able to meet their expectations or greet them warmly. Lee Kyung-kyu keeps the atmosphere up and sets the example. Yoo Jae-suk embraces everyone and leads, while Kang Ho-dong brings out the best in those with good condition. Nam Hee-seok commands while passing the ball, but I personally have similar hobbies to Ho-dong and am learning a lot from him. Ho-dong's energy is tremendous, and as I get older, I'm realizing how amazing his energy is. So, just being next to him and being together is so nice."
While harmonizing with national MCs, Kim Jong-min could naturally aspire to be a main MC but he did not. He remarked, "If I were offered, I could do it, but I don’t have the confidence to do it well. Also, I have to balance my primary occupation as a singer, so it’s difficult to focus on one thing. I am very satisfied with where I am now."
Regarding his 'entertainment philosophy' of not being greedy, he noted that he does not demand an increase in appearance fees either. "I think it’s something that I learned from starting social life early. If I demand something like an increase in appearance fees, I feel like I have to deliver that much and show it. I felt a bit of pressure about that. So, there are reasons I don’t demand a raise first, and sometimes I perform better without that pressure. Over time, the program might offer me a deal first. I’ve thought for a long time about working economically even as I grow older, for whatever it may be. I believe that’s how I can live a healthier life. It would be nice to earn more, but I don’t want to pursue it purely for money alone."
Kim Jong-min, who aspires to be a sustainable entertainer rather than a fleeting star, advised his juniors to "not be too greedy and strive to maintain the present situation," and regarding his future 10 years from now, he said, "I don’t think there will be much difference. I might focus more on work, but as my sense of responsibility grows, I believe I will work harder to have a better appearance while retaining my current excitement. I don’t know if I'll still be on ‘2 Days & 1 Night’ then. I can't guarantee that."
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