Kim Jong Kook (김종국) is a singer from South Korea. He debuted as the lead singer of a hit dance group, Turbo (터보), in 1995, and now leads a successful solo career under the label of Queen Entertainment. His interview on the Korean Times: "As Kim Jong-kook opened the rehearsal room door at KBS waiting for his turn, the streamlined silhouette of his athletic body made the fans shout. His charisma blends well with his childish smile, making him the most popular male of this year. Kim's irresistible charm has bewitched many Korean girls and his dazzling song, "Lovable,"makes him that much cuter thanks to the choreography. Will his growing fame ever stop? Question: After looking back at your 10-year career as a singer, what first comes to your mind? Kim: I can't believe 10 years have passed. The time sure flies. I love being a singer and I can't see myself in any other career. When I look back at the indelible moments of my life as a singer, the word "life" first comes to my mind. Q: Why do you think you are becoming more popular lately? Kim: I don't have a clue. It seems like the social trend is favoring those who don't have clear-cut faces and who do not stand out as much as others. I think people see me as a person who they would feel comfortable hanging out with or talking to. Q: How do you define a man? Kim: A person who does not pretend to be someone else is how I define a man. A man shouldn't be judged merely by his appearance but instead by his nature. When you look at a man, you should see how he treats women. Also, it is crucial to see his relationship with others because you can surmise his personality. Q: You seem to attend a variety of programs unrelated to your singing career. How do you think this will help you? Kim: By attending a variety of programs, people can find out about my other latent abilities in other fields rather than just for my singing and I have a chance to show others that I am capable of doing other things. Q: When was your best moment in life? Kim: When I got an award for singing "One Man" and during my concert last year. I can still feel that palpitating moment and the cheers from the audience. I couldn't have been happier. Q: How do you take care of your voice? Kim: I don't drink or smoke. That's the main reason why my breathing is getting better every day. You do know that I work out arduously, right? Staying fit and not doing anything harmful to my body allows me to have a clear and fresh voice. Besides that, I don't do anything special to take care of my voice. Q: What do you do during your free time? Kim: I usually spend all of my free time at a gym or I stay home playing video games. Lately, I am so into soccer video games. I don't enjoy being around a lot of people and I usually spend a lot of time alone. Q: What are your weaknesses? Kim: It's hard for me to adapt to new and different situations. I have to learn how to blend in better so that I don't become a party pooper at reality shows. But it's not as easy as you think. Other celebrities point out my weaknesses and often help me cope with them. I don't think I could have managed as well as I did in the reality shows without their help. You don't know how timid I am (laughs)! Q: But you are very talkative right now. Kim: It's because I got used to interviews. I am becoming a veteran at interviews and it is surprising to see myself talking endlessly with reporters. Q: What are your future plans? Kim: I plan to keep on singing and give my all in everything I do."
