Despite the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) scare in South Korea, some stars refuse to be driven into fear of acquiring the infection. One of these stars is none other than "Running Man's" Spartakook, Kim Jong Kook. Kook recently made a visit to Hong Kong, with a mask obviously missing from his face.

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On June 6, Kim Jong Kook made his way to Hong Kong for the much awaited 2015 Hong Kong Youth Music Festival. In spite of the increasing infection of MERS virus in Korea, Jong Kook came without a face mask. His reason? Well, according to Soompi, he simply wanted fans to see his full face because a lot of them went through the trouble of seeking him out.

"A lot of people came out to see me, and (if I wear a mask) they won't be able to properly see my face, so I didn't wear it," shared Jong Kook, adding, "I heard that people with a healthy immune system don't need to worry too much about MERS infection, and I'm being extra careful on the matter."

To delight his fans, Jong Kook performed "One Man," "Loveable," and "Today More Than Yesterday." Aside from the "Running Man" star, the girl group T-ara also performed at the 2015 Hong Kong Youth Music Festival.

In an interview with KPopHerald, Kim Jong Kook also spoke of his nickname which he only hears in China, "Kim Joong-kook."

"I've heard that nickname a lot. Every time I visit China, I regard that as my real name. I like the nickname because it delivers a kind of intimacy between me and my Chinese fans," stated Jong Kook.

Obviously, Kim Jong Kook is quite popular in China, more so even well-known compared to MC Yoo Jae Suk. Why so? Cast members of "Seul Jeon," explains why.

"Yoo Jae Suk talks a lot, and he's not weak yet he's not strong either nor tall. His character is ambiguous. In comparison, Kim Jong Kook comes and finds a solution as soon as there's a problem, and has a clear character. Ji Suk Jin is the same. His onscreen image is also clearly identified as the old hyung-nim with the big nose. In these ways, it's easier for Chinese people to understand and grasp Kim Jong Kook's onscreen image over Yoo Jae Suk," explained the shows' cast members.

TagsKim Jong Kook, Running Man, 2015 Hong Kong Youth Music Festival, MERS, Yoo Jae Suk