From The Straits Times    |

We were stoked yet slightly terrified when we heard that Running Man’s SpartaKook or Commander – Kim Jong Kook – will be coming into town for a fan meet.

After all, he did have a reputation for being ruthless in ripping off his teammates’ name tags in the popular Korean variety game show.

But upon meeting him at the press conference earlier, our fears were allayed. He spoke in English for the most part (which was a pleasant surprise) and exuded charm, wit and enough humour to crack us up.

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When asked what was his favourite amongst the multitude of nicknames given to him on the show, he went with “Kookie” which is a play on his name and a term of endearment. He also admitted that names like “SpartaKook” and “Commander” put a lot of pressure on him to win the game every time.

He also touched on his close relationship with his castmates like Kwang Soo, whom he hangs out with regularly – seeing him up to five times a week, working out and just going for meals.

“But we are not dating,” he added in jest to peals of laughter from the floor.

“He (Kwang Soo) likes to kick me very hard, but I never hit him back” said the star who cut a very fit and muscular frame.

Another hot topic on everyone’s mind was his exercise regime and how he keeps fit.

“It’s all about control. I control what I eat by sheer willpower, and work out for two hours a day.”

Kim Jong Kook press conference in Singapore

Kim also mentioned that keeping track of your sodium intake is also very important, making sure he does not indulge in food items that are too salty and never eating before he goes to bed.

The very manly Kim blushed when asked about the love lines on the show and said that he is past the stage for it. Although he’s more than happy to have more female guest stars on the show like Moon Geun Young and Yoon Eun Hye.

Kim Jong Kook will be performing at his fan meet tonight at the Kallang Theatre where he has many interactive games in store for fans as well as a whole host of his chart-topping hits!

For more of SpartaKook, stay tuned for our in-depth interview with him, coming soon!

Running Man Sparta Kim Jong Kook Singapore Fan Meet 2013

Showcase / Photo Taking Session
Date: Feb 22 2013, Friday
Time: 8 pm
Venue: Kallang Theatre
Prices: $108, $88, $68 (Excludes Ticket Booth $2 Ticketing Fee)

Fan Sign
Date: Feb 23 2013, Saturday
Time: 3 pm
Venue: IMM Level 3 Garden Plaza

Tickets for all events are now sold out, except for limited seats for Cat 3 in tonight’s showcase. Tickets can be purchased from TicketBooth counters. Click here for locations.