South Korean singer KCM has finally revealed the deeply personal reasons behind his decision to keep his wife and two daughters hidden from the public eye for more than 12 years. The popular artist, whose real name is Kang Chang-mo, admitted that his overwhelming fear of financial burden and debt was the primary factor that led him to conceal his family life from fans and the entertainment industry.
During his appearance on TV Chosun's variety show "Lovers of Joseon" on Monday, KCM opened up about the emotional toll of maintaining this secret while speaking with comedian Kim Byung-man. The singer, who only publicly acknowledged his family earlier this year in March, described years of silent suffering and psychological stress. "I worried that if I got married, my debts would become family debts. That fear kept me from revealing my family," KCM explained during the candid interview. "For about 12 years, I lived in solitude, suffering quietly."
The singer's personal timeline reveals a complex journey of love, financial struggle, and eventual resolution. KCM married a non-celebrity woman who is nine years his junior, and the couple welcomed their first daughter in 2012. However, they chose not to hold a traditional wedding ceremony at that time due to his financial concerns. The couple's relationship remained in legal limbo for nearly a decade before they officially registered their marriage in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic, when they held an intimate ceremony attended only by close relatives and friends. Their second daughter was born in 2022, adding another layer of joy to their private family life.
The turning point came when KCM finally managed to clear his debts before officially registering his marriage. The emotional weight of this moment was not lost on the couple, as KCM recalled: "We cried together when we filed the papers." This financial relief allowed him to take the legal step he had been postponing for years, transforming his secret relationship into an officially recognized marriage.
When KCM decided to go public with his marriage and children in March of this year, he faced significant internal conflict and fear about public reception. "When I went public with my marriage, I was scared," he admitted. "I knew some people would be shocked or criticize me for hiding it for so long. Being a celebrity means living off the love and attention of the public, and I had to let all of that go." His concerns about fan reaction and potential career consequences reflected the complex relationship between Korean celebrities and their public image.
Interestingly, KCM revealed that his own family members were initially opposed to his decision to reveal their existence to the public. Both his wife and eldest daughter urged him to continue keeping their family life private, likely understanding the potential scrutiny and attention that would follow such a revelation. However, KCM felt compelled to be honest with his fans and the public, despite the risks involved.
Ultimately, KCM's decision was driven by his priorities and values as a husband and father. He told his family members: "As long as I have you, it's enough. Even if I lose everything else, I'll be fine." This statement reflects his willingness to sacrifice his career and public standing for the sake of authenticity and family unity, marking a significant shift in how he approached his dual life as a public figure and private family man.
