Ko Ji Yong Confirms Divorce From Heo Yang Im After Two Years

Former Sechs Kies member Ko Ji Yong has confirmed that he and family medicine specialist Heo Yang Im divorced two years ago, bringing a private family matter into the public eye after a long period of silence.

Ko shared the news through a personal statement on July 29, explaining that the decision to wait before speaking publicly was connected to his son, Seungjae. Rather than framing the announcement as a sudden development, he presented it as a matter that had already been settled privately and carefully within the family.

The former idol said he wanted to give his son time to understand the change and continue growing in a stable environment. His statement emphasized protection, responsibility, and restraint, reflecting the difficult balance public figures often face when personal family decisions become entertainment news.

A Private Decision Made Public

Ko described the divorce as a decision made with mutual respect for each other’s lives. He also said he would continue doing his best as a father, making clear that his role as a parent remains central even though the marriage has ended.

Reports on the announcement said custody of Seungjae was given to Heo Yang Im. Ko added that he and Heo are no longer husband and wife but continue to support each other, asking the public to view the family with warmth and understanding.

The wording of the statement appeared designed to reduce speculation and keep the focus on the family’s adjustment rather than conflict. It did not dwell on the reasons for the divorce, and Ko avoided turning the announcement into a dispute over blame or private details.

From First-Generation Idol To Family TV Figure

Ko Ji Yong debuted with Sechs Kies in 1997, during a defining period for first-generation K-pop idol groups. The group became one of the major acts of the late 1990s, and Ko was widely recognized for his image and popularity before later stepping away from the entertainment industry.

After Sechs Kies disbanded, Ko moved into business rather than maintaining a conventional idol career. He married Heo Yang Im in 2013, and the couple welcomed their son the following year. Their family later became familiar to television viewers through appearances on The Return of Superman, where Ko’s life as a father drew renewed public attention.

That earlier exposure helps explain why the divorce announcement attracted strong interest. For many viewers, Ko, Heo, and Seungjae were not only celebrity names but a family they had watched during a formative period on a popular variety program.

Health Concerns And A Public Return

The announcement also arrived after recent public concern about Ko’s health, sparked by changes in his appearance. Ko addressed those worries by saying he had experienced temporary liver function issues but was recovering and improving, while thanking people who had shown concern.

Ko is now expected to resume more public-facing activities, including social media live broadcasts and social contribution projects. The plans suggest a gradual return to visibility, though his statement kept fatherhood and family stability at the center of the conversation.

For Korean entertainment fans, the news closes a period of uncertainty around Ko’s personal life while opening a new chapter in how he presents himself publicly. His remarks positioned the divorce as a respectful separation and asked observers to treat the matter with sensitivity.

The response will likely be shaped by the unusual mix of nostalgia, family-program familiarity, and concern that surrounds Ko’s public image. As a former member of a landmark idol group and a father known to television audiences, his private update carries broader resonance than a typical celebrity relationship announcement.