'As they run into hiding, cold sweat flowed like a river down their spine. Unfortunately, they can run, but they can't hide from HIM... KIM JONG KOOK.'

Spartaaaa! If you are a fan of the Korean variety TV Show, 'Running Man', you will be familiar with this word, as the term is regularly used by the casts of the show whenever the Ace, singer Kim Jong Kook appeared. After a successful showcase on Friday night 14^th June at HGH Convention Centre, a fan-signing event was also held a day after, at Paradigm Mall to give the opportunity to Malaysian fans who were not able to attend the showcase to meet him in a much closer vicinity.

Although the fan-sign session was scheduled to start at 2pm, 'Sparta Kook' knows how to make fans 'running' to meet him as they started to flood the mall and gathered as early as 11am to get a closer spot in order to catch a glimpse of him.

Since today, there will be no nametags to be removed and no hide-and-seek to be done, the Ace of Running Man dressed handsomely in a striped blue shirt and shades while entering the venue...AND not running. Screams from fans can be heard in every corner of the mall to welcome the singer on his maiden visit to Malaysia. As he took the center of the stage, he greeted the Malaysian fans with 'Hello, Apa Khabar?' (How are you?). He was pleased and rather shocked that many fans came to welcome him at the airport and he continued to thank all of the fans who came to his showcase and at for the fan-sign event too. He was also asked whether he had tried any Malaysian delicacies, with his charming smile he answered, he tried Nasi Lemak and confirmed that this very own Malaysian cuisine was scrumptiously delicious.

Kim Jong Kook has proven to fans that he is indeed the real 'Sparta' as the fan-signing event lasted for 3 hours; without any short breaks in between even when earlier, it was reported that our 'Sparta' met a little accident when he injured his hand while having his shooting. His dedication to continue the fan signing session despite the injury really amazed the fans. Not only that, in between the fan-signing, he continuously showcasing his charm and non stop 'fan-service' especially his 'smiling eyes' whenever his named were called by fans.

3 hours of fan-signing? Sounds madness right? This is Sparta that we are talking about! 'This (3 hours) is nothing for me', assured this former member of duo group, Turbo who debut in 1995. In addition, due to the popularity of Running Man, fans who joined the event also came from various ages and gender, and some fans even came from Singapore and China. Kim Jong Kook further promised to bring all the Running Man cast members on his next visit to Malaysia before wrapping up the event.

' "Running Man Sparta" Kim Jong Kook First Showcase in Malaysia' is jointly organised by New Pro-Star Sdn.Bhd, PMP Entertainment and Running into The Sun.

Writer: Amalina.A | Photo Credits: Nik Tim