Popular South Korean singer and actor Kim Jung Min has publicly addressed a YouTube video falsely claiming he is gay, urging fans to report it and hinting at legal action to stop the spread of misinformation.
Video Sparks Controversy
On April 30, 2025, Kim Jung Min used his social media to respond to a YouTube video that wrongly included him in a list titled “Top 5 Celebrities Who Came Out As Gay But Later Married Someone of the Opposite Sex.” The video alleged that the singer had come out as gay before marrying a non-celebrity in 2014.
The claims are entirely false. Kim Jung Min has never publicly identified as gay. He married Tani Rumiko, a former Japanese pop idol, on October 21, 2006. The couple has three sons, and the family splits their time between South Korea and Japan.
Whoever made this should be in trouble. You might as well kill me with fake news like this. Please report this video.
— Kim Jung Min
The singer expressed his frustration, emphasizing the harm caused by such rumors. He called on fans to report the video to limit its reach.
False Claims and Family Details
The YouTube video’s allegations contained glaring inaccuracies. It claimed Kim Jung Min married in 2014, but his wedding to Tani Rumiko took place eight years earlier in 2006. The couple’s three sons are growing up in a bilingual household, with the two older boys actively playing soccer in Japan.
Kim Jung Min, now 54, first rose to fame as a singer in the 1990s before transitioning to acting. He is recognized for supporting roles in dramas like Work Later, Drink Now and High Kick!. His wife, Tani Rumiko, was a member of the Japanese pop group Hello! Project before retiring from the entertainment industry to focus on family life.
The false narrative in the video not only misrepresented Kim Jung Min’s personal life but also disregarded the timeline of his marriage and family milestones.
Legal Action on the Horizon
According to Insight Korea, Kim Jung Min is exploring legal options to address the false claims. He aims to hold the video’s creator accountable and prevent further damage from misinformation. The singer’s team is reportedly gathering evidence to support a potential lawsuit.
The YouTube video has drawn significant attention, with fans rallying to report it. Many have voiced support for Kim Jung Min, condemning the spread of unverified rumors about public figures.
The incident highlights ongoing concerns about misinformation on platforms like YouTube. In South Korea, where celebrity privacy is often under scrutiny, false allegations can have serious personal and professional consequences. Similar cases have surfaced recently, including controversies involving Kim Soo Hyun and the late Kim Sae Ron, where YouTubers faced backlash for spreading unverified claims.
Kim Jung Min’s response underscores the need for accountability in online content creation. His call to action has resonated with fans, who are actively reporting the video to curb its spread.
Ongoing Developments
As of May 1, 2025, Kim Jung Min continues to monitor the situation. His legal team is assessing the best course of action to address the false allegations. The singer remains active in his career, with recent appearances in K-dramas and ongoing music projects. Fans continue to show support, praising his transparency and commitment to protecting his family’s reputation.
CREDITS: Insight
