It was belatedly revealed that Go Ji-yong, formerly of the group Sechs Kies, divorced after 11 years of marriage. Custody was given to his ex-wife Heo Yang-im, and Go Ji-yong said he will fulfill his responsibilities as a father. He also personally denied rumors about health problems and announced active activities.
Debuting in 1997 with the group Sechs Kies, Go Ji-yong retired from the entertainment industry after Sechs Kies disbanded in 2004 and worked as a businessman. In 2013 he married family medicine specialist Heo Yang-im, and the following year he welcomed his son Seung-jae. Go Ji-yong returned to the entertainment industry by appearing with his son on KBS2 The Return of SUPERMAN.
Later, in 2022 Go Ji-yong appeared on the SBS studio program Dong Sang-i-mong 2–You are my destiny and said, "I heard my son is in the top 0.5% of gifted children," adding, "He is in second grade in elementary school but solves sixth-grade workbooks. His creativity academy team placed in a domestic competition and also went to an international creativity competition," which drew much envy.
Recently, Go Ji-yong, who had drawn concern after appearing much thinner amid health rumors, surprised many by saying on the 29th that he had divorced Heo Yang-im two years earlier. Through his SNS, Go Ji-yong calmly announced the breakup, saying, "I divorced my wife two years ago."
The reason Go Ji-yong did not reveal the divorce for two years was his son Seung-jae. Go Ji-yong said, "I wanted to protect Seung-jae so he could fully accept the situation and grow up stably," adding, "The divorce was a decision made to respect each other's paths and to fulfill our responsibilities as adults. Seung-jae understands the new relationship between his mother and father, and he is doing well and stable now."
OSEN reporting found that custody of Seung-jae went to his mother and Go Ji-yong's ex-wife Heo Yang-im. Go Ji-yong explained the current relationship, saying, "I will continue to do my best as a father, and although we have separated as a couple, we support each other and get along well."
In particular, Go Ji-yong said, "We did not disclose this with mutual agreement so that our son could fully accept the situation and grow up stably. It was a choice for the child," adding, "It was a decision made out of respect for each other's paths and there was no special reason."
Because he revealed the divorce after two years, he strongly warned against any potential suspicions or rumors. Go Ji-yong said, "I am making this post to inform the facts to prevent misunderstandings that may arise in the future. I ask that you refrain from personal questions, and I would appreciate your continued warm attention."
The matter may not end as merely a warning regarding some suspicions. Mountain Movement Story, which recently signed an exclusive contract with Go Ji-yong, said, "It is regrettable that Go Ji-yong had to announce such a deeply personal private matter, but we reaffirm that he chose to protect his child and there was no other reason. Nevertheless, if rumors or speculative stories about the family emerge, the company will take legal action to protect the family."
After joining Mountain Movement Story, Go Ji-yong also clarified the health rumors. He said, "Many people worried about my health, but due to my negligence I briefly experienced liver function abnormalities; I am currently recovering and improving a lot. I wanted to thank everyone who sincerely worried about me and also say that I am doing my best to manage my health."
After announcing the divorce two years later and dispelling health rumors, Go Ji-yong plans to continue various activities, including TikTok live broadcasts and a support project for elderly people living alone as part of his social contribution work.
OSEN=reporter Jang Wooyoung