A recent video uploaded on the "Kangnami" channel has sparked widespread interest as Kim Jaejoong, a prominent figure in K-pop, shared candid insights into his life and career.
In the video, Kangnam introduced Kim Jaejoong, who praised him as a pivotal figure enabling cultural exchange between Korea and Japan.
Kangnam's mother admired Kim Jaejoong's impact on Japan, whose influence extends beyond generations.
Kim Jaejoong, known for his resilience and dedication, reminisced about his early struggles in Japan.
"At first, the process of entering Japan was challenging. We achieved a grand slam in Korea, but performed at a Buddhist college auditorium for less than 80 people with just a mat laid out. We worked all week wearing the same pants and rotating three T-shirts. I might be going through menopause, I cry often. With more leisure, I empathize with people. I need to listen, cry with them. It's silly."
-Kim Jaejoong
He recounted humble beginnings performing in small venues despite achieving great success in Korea.
He reflected on wearing the same clothes for performances and the challenges of building a fanbase from scratch.
The artist also opened up about his current emotional state, revealing a newfound empathy and tendency to cry more frequently, attributing it humorously to "going through menopause."
He emphasized the importance of connecting with others emotionally.
Family was another focal point in the video, with Kim Jaejoong sharing about his upbringing with eight sisters and reflecting on the challenges his parents faced.
"I have 8 sisters, many of whom are close in age. I often think about how hard it must have been for my parents, so I feel I must do well. We went to school in the same grade. She never had a proper birthday party because of me, being just 10 months apart, I didn't want her to feel like she had a fake brother."
-Kim Jaejoong
He humorously recounted sibling rivalries, particularly with his youngest sister, highlighting their unique bond.
Addressing personal matters, Kim Jaejoong touched on his adoption and the expanding size of his family, expressing anticipation about potentially becoming a grandfather as his nieces and nephews start their own families.
"My family is growing. With 8 sisters, their husbands, and if each has one child, that's 8 nieces and nephews. My eldest nephew/niece is married now, and when he/she has children, I'll be a grandfather."
-Kim Jaejoong
In a lighter moment, he shared his holiday tradition of giving cash directly to his parents, citing a preference for personal gestures over bank transfers.
"Oddly, I always have schedules during holidays. I like giving directly, so I don't send money via bank transfer. I give my parents 5 million won in cash every time I see them."
-Kim Jaejoong
When discussing his ideal partner, he emphasized qualities such as politeness and the ability to bring joy to elders.
"I prefer a person who is polite and makes elders smile."
-Kim Jaejoong
One of the more surprising revelations was Kim Jaejoong's decision to discard frozen sperm due to expiration.
This decision shed light on his proactive approach to health and genetics.
He humorously recounted his awkward experience at the clinic, where his celebrity status drew unexpected attention.
"I had my sperm frozen but discarded it this year as it has an expiration date. For fresh sperm, it's 3 years, extendable to 5 years. I discarded it to ensure healthy genes. Going to freeze my sperm was mentally taxing. Wearing a cap and mask, I went to the hospital, but they called out 'Kim Jaejoong' loudly, and everyone stared at me. I hoped freezing sperm could clone me someday."
-Kim Jaejoong
As he celebrates his 20th debut anniversary, Kim Jaejoong remains actively involved in music.
He recently released an album and is preparing for a commemorative concert at Jangchung Arena.
KpopStarz owns this article.
Written by Cassidy Jones.
