Ko Ji-yong, 46, a former member of the group Sechs Kies, and his ex-wife, family medicine specialist Heo Yang-im, are in conflict over visitation rights for their son, leading to renewed focus on the personality differences they previously revealed on television.
In 2021, before their divorce, Ko and Heo appeared on tvN's variety program 'Shinbakhhan Jeongri', where they openly shared their differing lifestyles, from organization habits to sleep routines.
At the time, Heo said, "My husband dislikes clothes draped over chairs. I put away clothes that don't need immediate washing later." In response, Ko remarked, "Everything falls apart because of convenience," adding, "Even when I'm drunk, I hang all my clothes and wear pajamas. At first, it really stressed me out."
Heo explained, "My husband is diligent and organizes things as he goes." In contrast, Ko said, "When folded laundry comes back up, he doesn't put it away until several layers have piled up. Honestly, I wish I could do it for him."
Their sleep habits also differed. Heo stated, "My husband likes sleeping with the lights on, but I really dislike it. I prefer sleeping in complete darkness."
They also showed differences in expressions of affection. Regarding Ko Ji-yong, Heo said, "He is not that romantic a person. He sends very short text messages." When she suggested wearing matching outfits, and he expressed his dislike for it, Ko Ji-yong replied, "I've disliked them since long ago. I never thought couple T-shirts were beautiful."
After finishing the home organization, Heo shared her thoughts, saying, "It seems like there will be fewer opportunities for marital arguments."
The two married in 2013 and welcomed a son the following year but reached a consensual divorce in 2024. Last July, when Ko announced the divorce, he stated, "I wanted to protect our son so that he could fully accept the situation and grow up stably."
Recently, both sides have presented conflicting claims regarding visitation for their son. On the 16th, Ko filed a temporary injunction against Heo Yang-im to prohibit interference with visitation and to ban the posting of photos or videos of their son. According to Ko's side, he has met his son only about six times in the approximately two years since the divorce.
He stated that although his health deteriorated due to liver cirrhosis, liver disease complications, and shock immediately after the divorce before recovering, he expressed his intention to meet his son, but visitation has not been properly carried out.
In contrast, Heo's side claims that Ko delayed the visitation schedule first and failed to pay child support properly. At the time of their divorce, Ko agreed to pay 1.89 million won in child support monthly, but payments were made only twice this August and September. According to Heo's side, the unpaid amount is approximately 40 million won, which rises to about 50 million won including interest.
in ENTERTAINMENT
