Kim Jong Kook revealed that he had become close friends with famous soccer star Park Ji Sung through 'Running Man'.

On a recent episode of YTN's 'Issue and People', he said, "I think my image as a variety person solidified because of 'Running Man'. I recently visited an elementary school, and I was really surprised. One of the students actually didn't know that I was a singer and instead recognized me because I was on TV. On one hand, that's a little troubling, but ultimately I'm just happy that the public recognizes and likes me. I recently started again as a singer. Lately, the trend is to put out singles and mini albums, but I put out a full album because I wanted to mark a new beginning. I thought it would be disrespectful to just put out a single. I want to meet my fans again with a solid album."

He also revealed that he had talked about his album with Park Ji Sung and fellow soccer player Son Heung Min. He said, "Park Ji Sung became really close with all the members after he appeared on 'Running Man'. We sent him a support video before one of his soccer matches. He also sent support in return for my album. I told him that I was working on a new album, and he said, 'Hurry up and release it. I'm going to get focused on my matches through listening to your album.'"