Actress Eugene has recently shed light on her husband Ki Tae-young’s incredibly rigorous fitness regimen, drawing direct comparisons to the notoriously dedicated “Gym Jong Kook” persona of singer Kim Jong-kook. Her revelation has captivated fans, highlighting Ki Tae-young’s extreme commitment to working out, which even Kim Jong-kook himself found impressive.
The insights into Ki Tae-young’s intense daily life were shared by Eugene during the latest episode of KBS 2TV’s ‘Problem Child in House,’ airing on September 25th.
Ki Tae-young’s Unwavering Dedication to Fitness
Eugene detailed her husband’s extraordinary fitness habits, which go far beyond a typical workout routine. She revealed that at one point, Ki Tae-young achieved an astonishing 1% body fat, a testament to his extreme discipline. Even now, his strength training routine is staggering, consisting of “20 reps for 40 sets,” as stated by Eugene.
His commitment is so profound that he reportedly prioritizes the gym over medical attention, even preferring a workout to an IV drip when feeling unwell. Eugene also shared that his intense exercise sessions sometimes lead him to skip meals. These details underscore a level of dedication that few achieve, prompting the comparison to one of South Korea’s most recognized fitness icons.
The “Gym Jong Kook” Standard: A Benchmark for Intensity
Kim Jong-kook, known widely as “SpartaKook” or “The Commander” from the variety show Running Man, has long been synonymous with an unwavering commitment to fitness. His workout philosophy centers on integrating exercise into daily life, adjusting intensity as needed, rather than viewing it as a separate task. He famously started his rigorous routine due to severe back pain from a herniated disk suffered in high school, finding that consistent exercise alleviated his condition. This personal journey transformed him into a fitness icon, leading him to even launch his own YouTube channel, “Gym Jong Kook,” dedicated to sharing his workout philosophy and tips.
Upon hearing the specifics of Ki Tae-young’s dedication, Kim Jong-kook expressed keen interest, suggesting, “Your husband should come on Gym Jong Kook sometime.” This comment from the veteran fitness enthusiast himself speaks volumes about the intensity of Ki Tae-young’s routine.
Beyond the Gym: Ki Tae-young’s Persona
While his fitness routine is undeniably extreme, Ki Tae-young is also celebrated for his devoted family life. Currently in their 15th year of marriage, he and Eugene are known as a beloved couple, with Ki Tae-young earning the nickname “Songdo Choi Soo-jong” for his deep affection for his wife and daughters. Eugene also shared anecdotes about their relationship on the show, including making the first move to get his phone number and a surprise wedding proposal that moved her to tears.
The revelation of Ki Tae-young’s intense fitness habits adds another fascinating layer to his public image, painting a picture of a man equally committed to his physical well-being and his family. The prospect of Ki Tae-young potentially appearing on “Gym Jong Kook” has already generated buzz among fans, eager to see if he can truly rival the “Commander” in a workout setting.
