Kim Jong-min
A resilient South Korean entertainer whose long-running stint on '2 Days & 1 Night' made him a beloved variety show fixture.
Born 1979 (age 47)·South Korean singer·Birthday: September 24·Generation X
Biography
Kim Jong-min's career is a testament to persistence and genuine charm in the fast-paced world of Korean entertainment. He first gained attention in the late 1990s as a dancer and later found a stable home as a member of the co-ed dance group Koyote. His true breakthrough, however, came through variety television. Joining the cast of the mega-hit show '2 Days & 1 Night' in its first season, Jong-min's endearing clumsiness, unwavering optimism, and loyalty made him a cornerstone of the program for over a decade. His mandatory military service in 2010, which he entered with characteristic good humor, only heightened his public appeal, and he returned to reclaim his spot. More than just a singer, he evolved into a national 'everyman' figure, his longevity on one of Korea's most popular shows demonstrating a rare and relatable staying power.
Generation X
1965–1980
The latchkey kids. Raised during divorce, recession, and the end of the Cold War. Skeptical, self-reliant, media-literate. They invented indie culture, grunge, and the early internet — then watched the Boomers take credit.
Kim was born in 1979, placing them squarely in the Generation X. The events that shaped this generation — economic uncertainty, the end of the Cold War, and the rise of personal computing — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Kim Was Born
The biggest hits of 1979
#1 Movie
Kramer vs. Kramer
Best Picture
Kramer vs. Kramer
#1 TV Show
Laverne & Shirley
Kim's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1979Born
Iran hostage crisis begins; Three Mile Island accident
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $37,900Min wage: $2.90/hrPresident: Jimmy Carter"My Sharona" — The KnackBest Picture: Kramer vs. Kramer
1984Started school
Apple Macintosh introduced
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $59,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"When Doves Cry" — PrinceBest Picture: Amadeus
1992Became a teenager
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
1995Could drive
Oklahoma City bombing; Windows 95 released
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $96,500Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Gangsta's Paradise" — CoolioBest Picture: Braveheart
1997Could vote
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
2000Turned 21
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2009Turned 30
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2019Turned 40
First image of a black hole; Hong Kong protests
Gas: $2.60/galHome: $224,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Old Town Road" — Lil Nas XBest Picture: Parasite
2026Age 47 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Became a long-term cast member of the iconic South Korean variety show '2 Days & 1 Night', appearing from 2007 and contributing to its massive ratings success.
- Joined the popular co-ed dance group Koyote in 2000, performing on numerous hit songs and maintaining an active career with the group for decades.
- Won the 'Best Entertainer Award' at the MBC Entertainment Awards in 2008 for his work on '2 Days & 1 Night'.
- Successfully returned to '2 Days & 1 Night' after completing his mandatory military service, a rare feat for a variety star.
Did You Know?
He is known by the nickname 'God Jong-min' among fans for his often accidentally lucky or humorous moments on variety shows.
He enlisted in the military in 2010 as an active-duty soldier, serving in the Republic of Korea Army.
Before joining Koyote, he was a backup dancer for the famous singer Kim Wan-sun.
“Even when the music changes, you keep the rhythm.”
