Kim Jung-tae, the First Jihoo: A Scientific Gift Unveiled

A Glimpse into the Life of Kim Jung-tae

Actor Kim Jung-tae recently shared insights into his life and personal experiences during an episode of Channel A’s “Best Talk Documentary – 4-Person Table.” The show, which airs every Monday at 8:10 p.m., featured Kim along with his closest friends, Moon Hee-joon and Kim Byung-hyun. Together, they explored various aspects of their lives, from past struggles to current achievements.

During the episode, Kim took his friends on a tour of his home, sharing stories about its history. He mentioned that the house was once inhabited by Hwang Seok-young, a well-known figure in Korean culture. Kim pointed out the nail marks on the walls, which he said were remnants of when he installed bookshelves. He intentionally left the holes unfilled to preserve the essence of the space and feel connected to the world of Hwang Seok-young’s work.

The conversation quickly turned into a lighthearted discussion about their respective careers and the order of their debuts. Kim, who made his debut in the 1999 film Lee Jae-soo's Rebellion, and Moon Hee-joon, who debuted with H.O.T. in 1996, engaged in a playful rivalry over who had entered the industry first. The group also delved into a complex family tree involving Moon Hee-joon, born in 1978, Kim Byung-hyun, born in 1979, and Park Kyung-rim, whose birth registration was delayed. This led to some humorous moments as Kim Byung-hyun debated whether to call Moon Hee-joon “Hyung” or “C,” eventually settling on “Hyung-si,” which sparked laughter among the group.

Kim Jung-tae also opened up about his past, particularly his time after the release of the movie Gift of Room No. 7. Despite the success of the film, he faced difficult times, including living in Gosiwon, where he was one of only 70 actors from his agency. At one point, he even stayed at a homeless facility near Seoul Station. He revealed that he received treatment for deteriorating health following the release of Sunflower in 2006 and emphasized how hard he worked to support his family.

At the age of 40, Kim finally managed to clear his credit issues. He recalled buying his wife a gift using the best card he had at the time, highlighting the love and support he received from his wife during tough times. He described the current state of his first child, who has become a science prodigy, as if he had given birth to a child and received a real gift. His affection for his family shone through in his words.

MC Park Kyung-rim added a humorous touch to the conversation by sharing how she registered her marriage early because she was afraid her husband might change his mind. She also joked about digging up a 5,000-won makdo, making the group laugh.

Moon Hee-joon also shared personal stories, reflecting on his childhood when his father left home and how he became responsible for his family at a young age. He admitted that it wasn’t until he became a father himself that he truly understood his father’s behavior. He also mentioned starting life in a house without a bathroom and how he made sure his daughter had a room with a bathroom, showing his deep care for his family.

Through these conversations, the show offered a heartfelt look into the lives of these celebrities, revealing both their struggles and triumphs. It’s a unique opportunity to see how they navigate life alongside their closest friends.

Channel A’s “Best Talk Documentary – 4-Person Table” continues to provide engaging content, offering viewers a deeper connection to their favorite stars.