After a 20-year wait, Hallyu icon Rain (Jung Ji-hoon) lights up the Taipei Arena once again. On January 17, the superstar will hold RAIN Asia Tour 2026: Encore – Taipei, marking his long-awaited return to one of Asia’s most iconic concert venues.
Arriving in Taiwan on January 16, Rain entered via the VIP immigration office, but still took time to greet the media with his characteristic warmth. To mark the occasion, Taiwanese media revisited three lesser-known but fascinating facts about the singer-actor who can sing, dance and act with equal mastery.
1. From Poverty to Stardom – Once a Wrestler
Few fans realize that before becoming a global star, Rain grew up in extreme poverty. He once revealed that he could not afford his mother’s medical care and tragically lost her at a young age. At one point, he wore the same sweat-soaked tracksuit for an entire month because he had no money to buy new clothes.
Although he is best known as a singer, Rain has also built a solid acting career with successful dramas such as Sold out, My lovely girlfriendAND Ghost doctor. Apart from entertainment, he is also an expert wrestling athlete. In a past episode of Getting to know the brothershe famously defeated six younger wrestlers in a 1-on-6 match, showcasing his considerable physical strength and discipline.
2. He never confirmed his romance with Song Hye Kyo
Rain’s 2004 drama Sold outwith Song Hye Kyo, became a pan-Asian phenomenon and fueled years of dating rumors. Reports even claimed that the two studied abroad together in the United States. Despite intense speculation, both stars have consistently maintained that they are “Simply good friends” and the relationship was never officially confirmed.
3. Korea’s first New Year power couple with Kim Tae Hee
On January 1, 2013, Dispatch revealed Rain’s relationship with famous actress Kim Tae Hee, making them Korea’s first “New Year celebrity couple”. The two married in 2017 and are now parents of two daughters.
Rain once said that although they were not each other’s ideal types, he was deeply moved when he saw Kim Tae Hee taking care of her staff during the filming of a commercial, thinking: “This is someone I want to marry.” Kim Tae Hee later revealed that it was Rain’s heartfelt letters during a difficult period in her life that made her open her heart to him.
As Rain returns to the stage in Taipei, fans are not just experiencing a concert, but celebrating the journey of a self-made legend whose life story is as compelling as his music.
Sources: Yahoo News
