Influencer Kim Ji-yeon, 29, who appeared on Mnet's entertainment program "Love Catcher," and Lotte Giants pitcher Jeong Cheol-won, 26, who was recently rumored to have split, acknowledged that they are in divorce proceedings and said they are pursuing legal steps to secure custody.
On the 27th, through a legal representative, Jeong Cheol-won said, "I will act responsibly as the child's father and secure custody as much as possible," adding, "Although the parents are in divorce proceedings, we will do our best to prevent any negative impact on the child." Jeong added, "As a player, I will focus on training and work to deliver good results."
Jeong Cheol-won and Kim Ji-yeon gave birth to a son in 2024 after a premarital pregnancy, and held a belated wedding in December last year, about a year after the birth.
About a month after the wedding, Kim Ji-yeon revealed on social media (SNS) that she intended to divorce, alleging issues with her husband's private life. Kim said, "After leaving home, my husband unilaterally filed a custody suit, and as a mother, I could no longer tolerate it," adding, "I have to raise my son thinking he has no father."
Kim Ji-yeon also said, "My husband sent a significant portion of his annual salary to his parents' home and used it for personal purposes," adding, "I prepared the household goods and childcare items for our son, and I worked up until I was full-term." She said that even after giving birth, she had to attend events while at a postpartum care center.
Kim Ji-yeon studied in the dance department at Hanyang University and gained recognition by appearing on Mnet's "Love Catcher" season 1 in 2018. Jeong Cheol-won won rookie of the year with the Doosan Bears in 2022 and transferred to the Lotte Giants in 2025, where he is active as a key bullpen pitcher.