Former Sechs Kies’ Ko Ji Yong Announces Divorce After Two Years

Former Sechs Kies member Ko Ji Yong has bravely announced his divorce from his wife, family medicine specialist Heo Yang Im, a revelation that has touched the K-Pop community. On July 29, Ko Ji Yong personally took to social media to share the news, disclosing that he and Heo Yang Im had actually parted ways two years ago.

He offered a heartfelt explanation for the delay in his public announcement, stating, “I wanted to protect Seungjae so that he could accept the situation and grow up in a stable environment.” Ko Ji Yong emphasized the mature and respectful nature of their separation, adding, “Our divorce was a decision we made out of respect for each other’s paths and to fulfill our responsibilities as adults. I will continue to do my best as a father.” He further assured fans that despite no longer being husband and wife, they “continue to support one another and are doing well,” kindly requesting “warmth and understanding” from the public.

From Idol Icon to Dedicated Father: Ko Ji Yong’s Journey

For many K-Pop fans, Ko Ji Yong is a beloved figure from the genre’s formative years. He debuted as a charismatic member of the iconic first-generation group Sechs Kies in 1997. With his striking tall stature and classic good looks, he quickly became one of the group’s most popular visuals during their explosive rise in the late 1990s. Following Sechs Kies’s disbandment, Ko Ji Yong made the significant decision to retire from the entertainment industry, successfully transitioning into a career as a businessman.

His personal life later re-entered the public eye when he announced his marriage to Heo Yang Im in 2013. The couple soon welcomed their son, Seungjae, into the world. Their family, particularly their adorable son, then captured the hearts of many when they appeared together on various popular television variety shows, offering a rare and endearing glimpse into the life of the former idol.