Kim Jong-kook mocks Jonathan, saying "He didn't even give a proper congratulatory gift but ate a lot," sparking controversy

Controversy Over Kim Jong-kook's Remarks on Jo Se-ho's Wedding
"He didn't even give much congratulatory money but acted so arrogantly"

Broadcaster Jonathan (left) and singer Kim Jong-kook. [Photo by YouTube channel 'Kim Jong-kook' video capture]

Singer Kim Jong-kook, who attended comedian Jo Se-ho's wedding, sparked controversy by seemingly mocking broadcaster Jonathan for 'paying a small congratulatory gift.'

On the SBS variety show 'Running Man' aired on the 3rd, Kim Jong-kook talked about Jo Se-ho's wedding and mentioned Jonathan, saying, "He didn't even pay much for the congratulatory gift, but he acted all tough." This was in response to Yoo Jae-suk's comment, "Jong-kook was sitting next to Jonathan and talking a lot."

Immediately after the broadcast, there were numerous online criticisms that Kim Jong-kook's remarks were inappropriate. Since Jonathan was born in 2000 and is just starting his career, pointing out the amount of his congratulatory gift was deemed inappropriate. Netizens commented, "He's still born in 00, why talk about the amount of congratulatory money?" "Even if they're close friends, that's crossing the line," "Is he checking how much everyone pays?" "If you don't have money, you can't even attend weddings these days," "It's supposed to be a happy occasion, but judging by the amount is really tacky," and "It was uncomfortable to watch on the broadcast." However, many also expressed opinions that the remarks were not problematic, saying "It seemed exaggerated for the show," "He was just trying to be funny. Please watch broadcasts as broadcasts," and "This controversy is made by outsiders."

Kim Jong-kook is sharing behind-the-scenes stories about comedian Jo Se-ho's wedding, which took place on the 20th of last month, on the SBS variety show 'Running Man.'
[Photo by SBS 'Running Man' broadcast screen capture]

Meanwhile, on the 5th, Kakao Pay analyzed data related to congratulatory gift transfers and found that the average congratulatory gift this year was 90,000 won, which has increased by about 20% over three years. This is approximately a 23% increase from the 73,000 won average in 2021. By age group, the average congratulatory gift was about 60,000 won for people in their 20s, about 100,000 won for those in their 30s and 40s, and about 120,000 won for those in their 50s and 60s. It was revealed that people in their 20s, who are new to society, tend to pay less, and the amount increases as they progress in their careers.

Regardless of age, the 'appropriate congratulatory gift' was considered to be 100,000 won. Among the 740,652 users who participated in a poll conducted by Kakao Pay from the 1st to the 3rd, 58% chose 100,000 won as the appropriate amount for a congratulatory gift.