Despite recently purchasing a luxury villa for 6.2 billion KRW (approximately $4.5 million USD) in cash, singer and entertainer Kim Jong Kook revealed this week that he still lives an extraordinarily frugal lifestyle.

Appearing on the July 10 episode of KBS2's Problem Child in House, Kim stunned fellow cast members with his low-maintenance habits. "I've never washed my car," he said matter-of-factly. "If it rains heavily, I just drive to Anyang — automatic car wash done."

The revelation drew laughter from the panel, with comedian Song Eun Yi adding, "The last department store he visited was Sinchon Grace — 27 years ago."

The episode also featured entertainers Lee Joon and Kwanghee, who provided additional comic relief by poking fun at their slim physiques and sharing behind-the-scenes stories from their variety show experiences.

While Kim Jong Kook is known for his successful career and disciplined fitness regimen, fans and colleagues alike continue to be surprised by his strict personal budgeting, particularly in contrast to his multimillion-dollar real estate holdings.

Kim has repeatedly talked about how minimalist he is when it comes to spending, choosing simplicity over luxury, even though he has boatloads of money.

The singer, who made his name in the late 1990s as a member of popular boy band Turbo and later became a fixture on variety shows like Running Man, is among South Korea's most recognizable entertainment personalities.

His thrifty ways have become something of a fascination and amusement for fans, who see it as part of his down-to-earth appeal.

"He's proof that you don't have to flaunt wealth to be successful," one fan commented on social media following the broadcast. "It's honestly refreshing."

Kim did not elaborate further on his financial practices during the episode, but his statements once again ignited admiration — and a few laughs — over his famously penny-pinching ways.