Kim Ji-yeon, known as a cast member of the dating reality show Love Catcher, continued to make revelations surrounding pitcher Jeong Cheol-won of the Lotte Giants in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) and has appointed a legal representative to pursue legal action.
Haedun Law Firm, representing Kim Ji-yeon, issued a statement on the 2nd saying, "As speculative rumors spread, false information has mixed in, and cases of secondary harm are also being confirmed," and noted, "Since player Jeong Cheol-won's side has also mentioned custody through a legal representative, we would like to present an official position on behalf of Ms. Kim Ji-yeon."
It continued, "Ms. Kim Ji-yeon has suffered constant pain from domestic violence and other issues while raising a young child," and said, "Recently, many people have provided tips suggesting circumstances that raise suspicion of player Jeong Cheol-won's infidelity."
It added, "Thinking of the child, Kim Ji-yeon tried to resolve the issue as amicably as possible and maintain the marriage, but the child's father left home, abandoning the child, then stopped paying child support, and as divorce and custody issues were being raised, her sense of frustration has grown."
The law firm said, "At every step, we will put protecting the child and safeguarding custody first, and we are prepared to pursue legal procedures to that end," and appealed, "This matter is, after all, a private affair, so please help ensure that player Jeong Cheol-won's club or his teammates are not harmed."
The controversy intensified in earnest after Kim Ji-yeon, during a Dec. 24 interaction with fans last year, gave responses implying divorce and a marital breakdown. At the time, Kim said, "I tried to endure again this time, but after the runaway, as a lawsuit was filed unilaterally claiming he would take custody, I could no longer endure," and she also explained issues with the burden of living expenses, the division of housework and childcare, and that during the offseason their livelihood had in effect depended on her income. Regarding the suspicions of Jeong Cheol-won's infidelity, she added, "I actually knew everything, but with only the belief that he is the child's father, I kept Pandora's box closed."
Afterward, Kim Ji-yeon also posted and then deleted rebuttals to parts of some posts, summarizing, "Because the focus could become blurred, I tried to keep (issues related to the in-laws) as much as possible as a separate matter," and, "I apologize for the fatigue caused by repeated disputes."
Meanwhile, Kim Ji-yeon, a graduate of Hanyang University's department of dance, became known through her appearance on the 2018 broadcast of "Love Catcher." Jeong Cheol-won joined the Doosan Bears via the 2018 rookie draft, won KBO Rookie of the Year in 2022, and wore a Lotte uniform after a trade following the end of the 2024 season. Last year, he served as a key part of the bullpen in front of closer Kim Won-joong, building up appearances.
The two first shared news of a pregnancy before marriage, had their first son in Aug. last year, and held their wedding on Dec. 14 of the same year.