'Even Reuses Wet Wipes' This Person Received a Commendation for Saving... When Giving Congratulatory Money

Kim Jong-kook, Jessi, NMIXX Haewon Rank High
Kim Jong-kook, Famous as the 'National Cheapskate'
Received Presidential Citation for Promoting the Importance of Saving

Netizens chose Kim Jong-kook as the celebrity they would feel pressured around when giving congratulatory money.

According to a survey conducted on an online community under the theme "Which star would make you feel pressured when giving congratulatory money?" from the 11th to the 17th, a total of 33,118 votes were cast over 7 days, and singer Kim Jong-kook took first place with 4,774 votes.

The 9th Financial Day ceremony was held on October 29 at the FKI Tower in Seoul. Financial Services Commission Chairman Kim Byung-hwan is presenting the Presidential Citation to singer Kim Jong-kook.

Kim Jong-kook is famous as the "national cheapskate." On various broadcasts, he mentioned that the birthday gifts he most wanted were daily necessities like soap or tissue paper, and he lived frugally, even washing and reusing wet wipes. He said he did not turn on the air conditioner even once this year, adding, "It feels really rewarding to get through the summer without using the air conditioner. This year too, I feel like I endured it." Recently, he received a presidential citation for promoting the importance of saving money.

Following Kim Jong-kook, in second place was singer Jessi with 4,536 votes. Known for her honest and bold image, she has been active on various entertainment programs, but recently came under scrutiny due to a fan assault controversy. In September, a minor identified as A claimed that while requesting a photo with Jessi in Apgujeong-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, he was assaulted by a man accompanying Jessi. At the time, Jessi tried to stop the assault and then left the scene. Later, when police arrived and asked about the man's whereabouts, she reportedly said she did not know. As the controversy grew, Jessi personally requested her agency to terminate her contract and apologized on her social media, saying, "I sincerely apologize to those who were harmed and their families due to this incident." On the 7th, the Gangnam Police Station in Seoul announced that after investigation, it was difficult to recognize charges against Jessi and decided not to prosecute.

Finally, Haewon, leader of the group NMIXX, ranked third with 3,904 votes. Haewon is active as the ace of the group, combining outstanding vocal and dance skills, and recently received praise for her sharp personality and excellent wit on the YouTube entertainment show "Workdol." Other names on the list included trot singer Lee Chan-won, broadcaster Jun Hyun-moo, and actress Ji Ye-eun.