[TV Report=Hyojin Bae] Former soccer player Kang Ji-yong (35), known as the cousin of singer Kwon Eun-bi, passed away on the 22nd, drawing attention to his appearance on a broadcast shortly before his death.
The tragic news of his death was announced on the 23rd by fellow player Gu Bon-sang on his personal account. The wake has been set up at Cheonan Soonchunhyang University Hospital Funeral Hall, and the funeral will be held on the 25th at 6:30 AM.
Recently, Kang appeared with his wife, Lee Da-eun, on JTBC’s variety show ‘Divorce Consideration Camp’, gaining public attention. The broadcast unveiled the hidden family stories and financial hardships behind his once-promising career as a top soccer player, along with marital conflicts.
Particularly shocking to many viewers was a scene where he expressed extreme feelings, saying, “I wish I could die in my sleep. It’s ready in the car.”
Kang Ji-yong shared on the show, “My wife often says, ‘You have nowhere to go, do you?’, ‘How much do you think you can earn?’ I don’t know why she says things that hurt my pride.” He also revealed, “The 500 million won I earned during my playing days was managed by my father, and I only received an allowance,” which aroused sympathy.
His wife, Lee Da-eun, said, “I covered all expenses from preparing for our newlywed home to childbirth. My husband ultimately couldn’t retrieve any money.” She also shared an anecdote where her mother-in-law said to use the deposit of their current residence to pay off her husband’s debt.
Kang Ji-yong also opened up about his family’s financial ruin that started with his brother’s extreme decision. “My brother started a business with a friend, and I stood as a guarantor. Soon after, we were bombarded with calls from loan companies. Days later, my brother passed away, and then our household broke down,” he confessed.
The episode of ‘Divorce Consideration Camp’ featuring Kang Ji-yong was subsequently removed from online platforms by JTBC after his death.
Meanwhile, Kang Ji-yong began his professional career in 2009 when he was drafted by the Pohang Steelers as the 5th pick in the K-League Draft. He subsequently played for Busan I-Park, Bucheon FC, Gangwon FC, Incheon United, and Gimpo FC, retiring after the 2022 season.
Reporter Hyojin Bae bhj@tvreport.co.kr / Photo=JTBC ‘Divorce Consideration Camp’