Have to state that first and foremost that my knowledge of Korean entertainment was zlich before 2006. Then came Princess Hours/Goong starring Yoon Eun Hye. The drama ended in March 2006 and I was kind of lost after that. Did a search and out of nowhere came to find out about this variety show that Eun Hye used to participate in.

Bam! All hell broke loose. My first episode was Xman #40, Pattaya Special and I was kind of tickled funny and entralled by a group of celebrities laughing and playing games and having so much fun. I digged for more information and started watching more and more episodes. I came to know about this one man called Kim Jong Kook and his blossoming romance in the show with Eun Hye and it was really a blast watching them. All the love lines and those who tried to came in between them made for great viewing.

I wondered where was I living all this while not knowing about this wonderful show called Xman? Actors and singers came frequently onto the show to promote their stuff like dramas, movies or albums. The MCs, oh boy, were they funny and talented and witty. I came to learn so much more about the people in Korean entertainment, and of course all the singers like Shinhwa, Fly to the Sky, SG Wannabe, etc. Learnt about up-and-coming female stars like Nam Sang Mi and Goo Hye Sun from Xman too. Too many for me to list down here but I have to applaud them for what they have done!

Came to love another show called Love Letter and I don’t think anything else would ever come close to the greatness that it has achieved. Everything just snowballed and my knowledge of Korean entertainment is miles ahead of what it was in 2006. Kim Jong Kook for all his wonderful talent in singing and showing his wittiness on Xman, and his partner Yoon Eun Hye, thank you both for unlocking a treasure chest of fun and laughter for us. Eun Hye once mentioned in an interview, recording Xman for her was like going for a date once a week.

Of course, as anyone would have pointed out, Xman is a semi-scripted show, so isn’t their so-called romance just an act and shouldn’t be treated as real? Well, that’s true to a point but the problem here is, there are too many subtle hints that implies that no matter how well you act, there are some things that you just can’t fake it. It got so real to the point that their scandal appeared as headlines on newspapers. They were put together by Xman as a couple but it just got to the point that it became a reality. Others have tried to take their place but there is simply no replacement for them.

Their Xman love story in pictures

Yoon Eun Hye checking out Kim Jong Kook during wrestling game in Xman #15

Eun Hye helping Jong Kook to wear his socks in Xman #17…

Jong Kook carrying Eun Hye in Xman #20 couple game…

Their scandal made the headlines and was much talked about in Xman #23…

In Xman #23 Dangyunhaji segment, Micky asked Eun Hye whether her marriage date with Jong Kook has been decided yet and Eun Hye replied of course. Then when Eun Hye asked will DBSK attend their wedding, just before Micky answers of course, Jong Kook thanked Micky for asking that by saying thank you.

In Xman #23 couple selection, Eun Hye used the reasoning that, “You must take responsibility for me since you caused me to have a scandal at 21 years old!” Jong Kook appeared to have no choice but to go back to Eun Hye. When Yoo Jung said that she is also his “children”, he rejected her though.

Xman #24, as planned by the PD, Eun Hye started chasing after Eric which prompted Jong Kook to say, “That’s why little kids aren’t reliable. During Dangyunhaji, when Eun Hye said the scandal with Jong Kook made her sad, Jong Kook erupted immediately with fury. When everyone was debating what will happen between Eric and Eun Hye, Jong Kook remarked, “The ending will be the both of them dying in my hands!” Still the most talked about segment in Xman history.

Collage of screencaps from Xman #14, #15, #17, #23 and #25 showing their actions towards each other…I don’t think a script will tell them to do these right???

Jong Kook carrying Eun Hye again in Xman #24, more than experienced by now…

Looking ever so adorable and compatible in Rudolf couple game in Xman #25…

Screencaps showing the differences in Jong Kook’s answers when he was asked by Kang Ho Dong.On the left is screens from Xman #26 (towards Eun Hye) and on the right is from Love Letter ep 112 (towards Eun Jin).

When asked if he loves Eun Hye, he says of course. But when asked in Love Letter if he loves Eun Jin, he replies how can you freely say “I Love You” to someone that easily. He maintains this stand all the time in future shows.

In Xman #28 Dangyunhaji game, Chae Yeon and Yoon Eun Hye had a no-holds barred exchange as harsh words were exchanged. Why? Ultimately it was because of Kim Jong Kook. The Xman PD even broadcasted a video of Kim Jong Kook at the end asking them to cool it down.

Sitting together on the flight to Pattaya for Xman #40 recording…

Xman Pattaya Special, that classic Dangyunhaji. When Min Ki asked Jong Kook do you dislike Eun Hye? Eun Hye at this point placed her head on Kyung Lim’s shoulder, looking innocently at Jong Kook for an answer. Jong Kook was caught between saying of course and giving up. He paused for a while, cleared his throat, and cupped Eun Hye’s ears, saying softly, of course. Eun Hye was undoubtedly overly moved by this and tears of happiness were forming in her eyes…

Jong Kook dancing for the first time in Xman, in that couple selection doing that half hand-stand move where he twisted his legs and Eun Hye look pretty impressed…

Jong Kook looking relieved like a little kid when Eun Hye accepted him…

Eun Hye making sure that Jong Kook oppa is well cared for, covering him up with the towel so he wont be cold…

Jong Kook never taking his sight off Eun Hye while she’s dancing in Xman #41…

Just compare and contrast Jong Kook’s reaction to Eun Hye’s dance in Xman #41 and Kill Gun’s dance in Love Letter…

Simply stunning and radiant looking in their outfits at the beginning of Xman #43…

Xman #43 saw Jeon Hye Bin doing an incredible thing not seen ever in history of Xman. It was her turn to entice and she belonged to Kang team but as she danced, her last target turned out to be Jong Kook as she danced sexily in front of him. Eun Hye was of course furious, marching over to Bin, grabbed her hand and fling her away, “Don’t you have guys on your team!” Bin’s looked kind of embarassed and no doubt it was a staged act but Eun Hye’s reaction seemed like it was so real!

So compatible with matching outfits during Xman #43 couple selection…

“I just carved your name on the flower!“
from Xman #43 couple game

Here’s the difference on how much he cares more about Eun Hye than Yuri…The screens with Eun Hye was from Xman #43 while the one with Yuri was on Xman #45, where Eun Hye wasn’t around anymore but made a cameo final appearance to say farewell to everyone involved with Xman…

Xman #50 Christmas Special was where Chae Yeon made public about her acquaintance with Jong Kook 10 years ago through another program called Star Idol. In addition, Chae Yeon confessed that her feelings then and now remain the same. She proceeded to ask at the end, “Can I take Eun Hye’s place in your heart?” Jong Kook didn’t say of course but said, “I’m sorry Jin-suk…” and retreated. You could see Chae Yeon tearing at this point but Jong Kook showed how faithful he can be even though you can afford not to be on a variety show.

Other interesting notes from Xman
- As long as Eun Hye is around, Jong Kook has never chosen anyone else. The time when it didn’t happen was in Xman #17 when she chose Kim Jang Hoon while he chose Lee Ji Hyun out of no choice. Another time was in Xman #41 where Eun Hye was jealous at him responding to Kyung Lim dancing instead of her. Jong Kook ended up being part of a guy-guy couple.

- In episodes where Jong Kook wasn’t around, Eun Hye designated partner was Park Joon Gyu ahjussi. Other than when he was also not around, she would reject most of the other guys for them.

There’s even a JYC club set up even in Korea that wishes for them to be really together and constitute a happy ending to their romance in Xman. Some of the evidence stated could be termed as bias, but some are really showing them showing affection for each other which cannot be denied. Whatever happens in future, hope that they can find their own happiness and live happily ever after.

Many thanks to jade411, endurance, mikki, cuttiegirlsu, thehay1 over at asianfanatics forum for compiling all of these, just putting them together…

When you mention Xman, you cannot not talk about Kim Jong Kook & Yoon Eun Hye, the two of them have indirectly become a symbol of Xman. They met for the first time in Xman #14, and from there until Xman #18, you can say that is where they got to know each other better. Then there was a lapse until they reunited again in Xman #23 where the MCs make fun of them, that they were dating during the lapse which saw them appearing together as a scandal news item in newspapers. Xman #23 to #26 can be regarded as initial dating stage I guess, where you see several other girls trying in vain to break them up.

After that, Kim Jong Kook went off-screen to work on his album while Eun Hye remained on the show. But there were certain references to their relationship and in Xman #28, there was a special video which told us that they had been meeting regularly in gym! They finally reunited after six months in Pattaya, for Xman #40, by now, their romance was heck strong, and simply no one could break them up. They even started playing jealousy games with each other evident from Xman #40 – #44.

But alas, good time do not last, they parted eventually for good when Eun Hye left to film Princess Hours and made a final cameo appearance in Xman #45. Jong Kook remained on Xman though until Xman #54 where he also left for good because of military duties. During that time, many references were made with regards to his relationship with Eun Hye, but he remained faithful to her.

But their romance seems to be raging on like in other interview shows, heck, Eun Hye even appeared in one of his MV, looking so much like lovers. You cannot deny the fact that too many things have linked them to each other, one way or another. No matter what other people hope, they look like they were made for each other. We just have to wait and see what happens when Jong Kook who is currently serving in the army, makes his comeback in 2008.

The following is a collage of screens from Xman variety show showing their many moments of interaction, credit goes to 豆包 from 17look8 forums:

17th July 2004, Jong Kook met Eun Hye for the 1st time on Xman to do promotion for his second album. They look unusually compatible and made people feel comfortable with their pairing. Because of everyone prompting, for example saying they are the strongest couple pairing in Korea, their children will be future sportsmen, etc. They become especially shy and felt a bit uneasy at times during the show!!

The both of them actually look very cute when they become shy after being teased!!

The two of them started getting to know each other better and developed affections for each other. They are always looking out for each other and glancing in each other’s direction, although they never show it graciously. They are afterall just starting out only. But they do not know that the cameras are unforgiving, and thus their little acts of affection for each other are all captured for us to see!

As their relationship became more and more noticeable by everyone around them, the both of them also gradually became more comfortable with each other. From shly noticing each other, they became more open-minded and showed their affections directly on camera, everyone should be aware by now!! Dating in the open.

In Xman #15, Jong Kook started his offensive, trying all sorts of way to get in close proximity to Eun Hye. Even during games, when he fell, he would try to fall onto the side near to the one he likes!

Silent proximity is of no use, only mushy quotes work! Only through that will you be able to win her heart!!

Jong Kook’s show of affection was felt by Eun Hye definitely. Although they never say, but their actions says it all, we can all see it for ourselves how sweet they were towards each other! Their intimate actions for each other just furthers cements what everyone thought along of their relationship.

We are pretty familiar with Jong Kook’s songs, his soothing voice plus songs always leaves a deep impression, the king of songs is undoubtedly him, the Dae Sang awards is proof of that. Using his soothing voice to sing for his goddess, expressing his feelings in the form of songs, Eun Hye always feels her heart fluttering whenever he sings for her only!!

Another thing which everyone knows is that Jong Kook dance is just shake a little bit and that’s it. But he is also one that loves to dance, and in his former group, Turbo, he was a dance/singer. Eun Hye knows this and always tries to perform a complete dance in front of him whenever possible. Jong Kook from not moving at all, starts to move slowly to the beat and eventually starts dancing in the middle of the stage during couple selection in Xman #40, love is really a strange source of power!!

With their relationship gradually stabilizing rapidly, they started to show their love for each other more openly. Just look at their clothes, watches, pants…what does this tell us? Take the shirt for example, that kind of flowery design is kind of difficult to get something so similar right? It can’t be simply a mere coincidence…

Their songs, their dance, their sweet talk, their intimate actions, even we feel happy for them when we see it, more so when it’s themselves doing it, they are really happy about it…Their blissfulness cannot be concealed at all!!

The both of them no matter doing what, they would always be seating together. No one can come in between them. This is because their relationship is so sweet that it can’t be broken because something is holding it together! No matter what, they must be seating together!

The both of them who are dating, won’t want each other to get hurt of course. But in the course of recording the variety show, there are times when it’s inevitable. When one of them suffers a small hurt, actually they feel the hurt even more, more worried than the one who got hurt…

Jong Kook is a man so he doesn’t mind anything frivolous. But Eun Hye will feel sad when she sees such things happening. So Jong Kook choses to protect the one he loves and not let her feel uncomfortable or getting injured. When something happens to her, he would be the first to rush over to protect her. One thing that Jong Kook should take note of is to be mindful of the camera, even if you like her, it isn’t nice to show such affection for her in front of the cameras!!

We saw how Jong Kook protects Eun Hye all the time and also understand that Eun Hye cannot be bullied. Whoever bullies her will not get away scot-free. The 1st person to test this was this man, Lee Minki, saying that he had some things to say to Jong Kook because of Eun Hye but Jong Kook never considered him to be his love rival at all. He never would have thought that he would dare to push Eun Hye into the water later on in a game. The ensuing consequence, I guess need not be said any further!!

Minki had it easy, the one who suffered the most was Shin Jung Hwan, for why did he go and atagonize others? Jung Hwan took the chance when Eun Hye wasn’t looking and clubbed her. Eun Hye and Jong Kook was shocked because they didn’t think that he would ever dare do that. The result saw Jong Kook hitting back at him fiercely! Jung Hwan tried to resist but simply couldn’t withstand the power of the One Man and fell sloppily to the mat in defeat.

Why didn’t anyone think of why Jung Hwan was so gutsy? How could he atagonize the both of them, don’t forget that they are possible national team representatives, they are No.1, this is widely acknowledged. Ho Dong even felt that their babies would be geared towards the sports area in future!! Invincible in most game segments, many people have tried and failed in their quest to defeat them…

Relationship is a two-way thing. In Xman #26 couple selection, when she was already coupled with Jong Kook, she requested that others should perform a dance and got scolded by them. She felt embarassed and hid behind Jong Kook. The next scene sees Jong Kook defending her saying she should be forgiven because she was only a kid and no one dare to say anything more after that. Eun Hye of course never forgets what Jong Kook did for her and when she saw Jae Dong bullying Jong Kook, she tried all sorts of ways to protect her guy and stop him from doing that.

As time goes on, tiffs between couples are very normal. But it didn’t just happen with them normally. Rather, it was due to numerous interferences by others trying to come in between them, not taking into consideration that they were actually dating. But there’s really nothing that can come in between them and the both of them used their own ways to hurdle over these little tests. Truth is it didn’t affect them one bit, it was really true feelings between each other.

These tests were really numerous evident in Xman #42 and #43, it must have been tough on them…

Even though many people felt that Chae Yeon would succeed, but it was in vain! Their relationship was rock steady!

In Xman #20, Jong Kook was put in a tough spot for once by Eun Hye, actually it was really nothing much. But Jong Kook must have felt really pissed because Eun Hye wanted him to dance solo. You could see clearly how shocked Jong Kook was since his small eyes were opened really wide, he didn’t think that she would do this! This also tells us that anything can happen!

After so many obstacles, everyone thought that was it, but no one knew that the real test was going to appear in the form of perfect man, Eric. He is the only one who really pose a threat to their relationship. But thankfully, Eric wasn’t going to harm his friendship with Jong Kook and gamely withdrew in the end. The only one time you see Jong Kook really pissed off.

After Eric, there really wasn’t anything or anyone to let them give up. This is because they learn to face up to things. The romantic vibes displayed by Jong Kook and his wittiness was felt by all present during the Dangyunhaji segment in Pattaya. He never escapes and know that everything can be solved if the both of them gamely faces it. In exchange for their success in romance, is jealousy and envy by others towards them. That is a form of success and that cupping of Eun Hye ears by Jong Kook to date remains a classic moment on television.

The relationship didn’t come easy but the end result justifies the proceedings. Eun Hye grew from a little girl to a woman, a woman that Jong Kook loves. Jong Kook also changed because of Eun Hye, dancing for her, becoming funnier, we all can see that. Only happiness and sweetness envelops around them. Let’s hope that they would have a happy ending in future!!

It was kind of exciting to know about this when we heard that Eun Hye was going to appear in Jong Kook’s music video, Saying You Love Me. It was suppose to be for his earlier music video, Letter, but because of scheduling conflicts on Eun Hye’s side, it wasn’t to be and the role went to Park Shin Hye.

But this time it was for real. Despite Eun Hye busy schedule, she does manage to squeeze out time to film this mv.

Because of the difficulty in translating korean into english, the song has been known as either Saying I Love You or Saying You Love Me, well you get the meaning. How appropriate a title for the music video. A 26 secs teaser trailer for the MV was first released on 1st July 2006, creating buzz and hype for the actual thing to be released two days later.

Saying You Love Me teaser

Saying You Love Me music video

Synopsis (by deb1430)
The story is about a girl (Eun Hye) who can’t get over her past relationship (Jong Kook) so she is reminiscing about their sweet moments together. But even though she’s in a new relationship (the white shirt guy at the end), she still can’t get Jong Kook out of her head because even though they broke up, she still loves him. Note that the final scene seems to indicate that there is a sequel to this. Their romance continues after Xman.

The music video was originally supposed to be with just Eun Hye in it but after some coaxing by the director, Jong Kook agreed to appear in it as well but on the condition that his face wouldn’t be visible throughout the video. Why? Because he was in the army already and you can’t do this type of things while you are in it.

At first, we wasn’t sure and we sure got a surprise when Jong Kook appear on behind the scenes photos, raising expectatations that he might be actually in it. And so when the music video came out, boy were we excited to see him in it, his face not visible of course, but for fans, it’s definitely him at first glance, how could you not recognise his bodyframe.

And to create more buzz about it, they released the making of the music video coupled with an interview with just Eun Hye only. Jong Kook can’t appear on camera due to his military duty and so it would seem that Eun Hye is helping him to do promotion for his album.

Making of Saying You Love Me

Then two more behind the scenes footage video were released on Kim Jong Kook website and this clearly showed that he is indeed the one man inside the music video.

Behind the Scenes of Saying You Love Me Part 1

Behind the Scenes of Saying You Love Me Part 2

Jong Kook bought special gifts for Eun Hye who made time in her busy schedule to film the MV with him. She is extremely busy with KBS 2TV ‘Vineyard Man’ drama, but after receiving a request from Jong Kook to be in his MV, she agreed. His music company said “After Jong Kook heard about couple rings being used in the MV, he made a “special order” through Agape and bought it for Eun Hye. KJK said “YEH worked really hard on the MV and went through a lot of trouble so i wanted to give her something “special!” He also gave YEH a red scooter LX504T as well.

She looks like she was having a lot of fun while she was riding the scooter on set, even though she got hurt on the scooter. KJK thought she would like it, so he bought her that as well. He said “The scooter and the ring probably won’t cover all that YEH went through for the filming of the MV but he hopes that she will ride the scooter carefully without any injuries”.

YTN News on Jong Kook gives Eun Hye special gifts

Filming for Jong Kook’s MV, Saying You Love Me

Jong Kook being naughty with the brush and his victim is.. Eun Hye who is enjoying bottled water. Just love his expression. It’s an expression of someone about to do something bad.

Eun Hye fixing herself in the mirror while Jong Kook is watching her. You could see his arm in the second cap, the pinky scene has not started yet, so why are they already doing it? It seems like they were enjoying the skinship way too much in advance.

Nice caps of the entire, Saying You Love Me music video

This could probably be the last and only time that we can see on screen behaving like a couple. Anyway, this mv serves as a memory that will be with them for the rest of their life. What will be the ending seeing how it ends so ambiguously? It’s left for them to make something happen and we will be there to support them in whatever they do!!!

Many thanks to jade411, endurance, mikki, cuttiegirlsu, thehay1 over at asianfanatics forum for compiling all of these, just putting them together…

Singer Kim Jong Kook revealed on MBC Golden Fishery shown last night that with regards to his scandal with Yoon Eun Hye in the past, he regrets not making the most out of the golden opportunity presented to him.

Kim Jong Kook was guest on the 3rd December episode of Golden Fishery revealing, “Yoon Eun Hye is my ideal kind of girl. Not too skinny and has a good figure. She is very courteous and knows her manners. Back in the Xman days, Kang Ho Dong once said if we had gotten married, he would give us his wrestling cloth (symbol of his wrestling days). In Xman, Eun Hye was my girlfriend and I hated others saying that they like her or something similar.”

Kim Jong Kook also admitted to seeing Yoon Eun Hye in private and Ho Dong asked, “Did you felt it was a pity that you didn’t grab hold of the fate with Yoon Eun Hye?” Kim Jong Kook paused for a while before replying, “I am really regretting it frankly”, his honest answer generating laughter all around.

Kim Jong Kook joked, “I never watched her (Yoon Eun Hye) dramas but I felt like I had been forgotten and my position was taken up by others. Eun Hye, are you busy recently? Let’s have a meal if you have time to spare.”

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Known as 2NE1′s vitamin, Sandara Park is wise, beautiful, born with a great personality, and adapts well to her environment. Dara is regarded as an expert in promotions and her bouncy personality has gained her an immense following in Korea and internationally. Her voice although not as strong as the other three members, is the sweet and soft balance that is an essential element to 2NE1′s songs. It is her hard work and perseverance that has seen her constantly soaring to new heights

Born in Busan, South Korea she moved to the Philippines while still young, Fluent in Tagalog and Korean, she became a big star in the Philippines and was runner up for the reality show “Star Circle Quest 2004“. She joined YG Ent in 2007 and first made splashes in the Korean industry with an appearance in Gummy‘s ‘I’m Sorry‘ MV. She has also released a Solo single ‘Kiss’ that captured her youthful charm and beauty perfectly.

• Birthdate:  October 14,1983 
• Urban Biography: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2oFYcjMfPaI