Kim Min Jong expressed heartfelt gratitude for the overwhelming attention surrounding his return to the big screen, saying the experience still feels surreal.
Appearing on the latest episode of KBS1’s morning talk show Morning Yard, Kim Min Jong reflected on winning three awards for his film Florence Knockin’ On You (directed by Lee Chang Yeol) at the Global Stage Hollywood Film Festival.
“This is my first film-related award since receiving a popularity award at the Blue Dragon Film Awards back in 1996,” Kim Min Jong said. “Winning in Hollywood just doesn’t feel real.” Florence Knockin’ On You follows Seok In, a middle-aged man who confronts grief and reevaluates his life as he searches for healing.
Kim Min Jong also addressed long-standing rumors that he once left a restaurant without paying. He explained that during filming for the reality show My Little Old Boy—a popular series that documents celebrities’ daily lives—he had recently lost his mother. Because the show portrayed him living in a modest container home during that period, a restaurant owner mistakenly believed he was struggling financially and refused to take his payment. “It was a misunderstanding,” he said.
Speaking about juggling his dual career as an actor and singer, Kim Min Jong noted that while such crossover careers are common today, that wasn’t always the case. “Back then, I faced a lot of criticism from senior entertainers and negative perceptions,” he recalled.
Asked whether he feels uncomfortable when younger performers imitate his voice or singing style, Kim Min Jong laughed and said he actually enjoys it. “It makes me really happy,” he said, warming the studio atmosphere.
Ye Ji Won, who co-stars in Florence Knockin’ On You, shared that memorizing Italian dialogue—including lines from the poetry of Lorenzo de’ Medici—and preparing a traditional Korean salpuri dance were among her biggest challenges during filming. Kim Min Jong praised her dedication, saying, “No one but Ye Ji Won could have pulled that off.”
Florence Knockin’ On You will hold an advance screening on November 26, with its official theatrical release set for January 7.
