Jeong Cheol-won to grant primary custody to Kim Ji-yeon

Baseball player Jeong Cheol-won has decided to grant primary custody to his ex-wife Kim Ji-yeon and provide child support, according to his legal representative. While the decision aims to protect their minor child, the two parties remain in a legal dispute over property division and conflicting allegations of domestic violence and infidelity.

Kim Ji-yeon, a former participant in the show 'Love Catcher' who is engaged in ongoing legal conflicts with baseball player Jeong Cheol-won following their divorce, has shared glimpses of her daily life with her son. As Jeong Cheol-won's side announced its position to grant primary custody to his ex-wife and provide child support, Kim Ji-yeon drew attention by sharing photos reflecting a bright atmosphere.

On the 6th, Kim Ji-yeon posted several photos on her social media with the caption, "I should just post some selfies, yahoo." The released photos capture her enjoying daily life while spending time with her son. Her routine update drew interest as it was her first such update following intense public attention regarding various allegations and legal battles since the divorce.

On the same day, Daeryun Law Firm, representing Jeong Cheol-won, released an official statement explaining the ongoing legal proceedings regarding custody and property division. "Since January, Jeong Cheol-won has been fulfilling his duties as a professional baseball player while also striving to fulfill his responsibilities as a father and establish a healthy upbringing environment during the legal proceedings regarding childcare," the firm stated.

In particular, Jeong Cheol-won's side emphasized that they have decided to grant primary custody to Kim Ji-yeon and pay child support. "There is a minor child who must be protected, which takes precedence over a player's performance or property division in a divorce," the legal representative said, requesting that the child's privacy and emotional stability not be compromised by the repeated spread of the legal battle through the media and online. However, they explained that differences in opinion regarding property division still exist between the two parties.

Regarding property division, the firm stated that legal review is required to determine whether future contract bonuses, salaries, and incentives can be viewed as joint property formed during the marriage. They explained that even for funds that have not yet occurred or been finalized, the legal assessment may change if they are deferred payments of rights already established or if a substantial connection to marital property is recognized. It was also revealed that the opposing party's legal representative filed a resignation notice on September 21.

Jeong Cheol-won's side also drew a line regarding allegations of domestic violence and infidelity. "We are expressing significant concern over the spread of allegations regarding domestic violence and infidelity," Daeryun Law Firm stated, noting that they are disputing the facts and interpretations of the raised allegations. They reiterated their position that one should be wary of accepting unverified content as established fact based solely on the claims of one party or partial data.

Previously, Kim Ji-yeon's side had taken a firm stance by raising allegations of domestic violence and infidelity against Jeong Cheol-won. Haedeun Law Firm claimed that Kim Ji-yeon suffered from domestic violence while raising her young child after marriage, and that she recently received reports from multiple people regarding circumstances suspected of Jeong Cheol-won's infidelity. They further explained that Kim Ji-yeon attempted to maintain the marriage and resolve the issues amicably for the sake of the child, but after Jeong Cheol-won left the house leaving the child behind, he stopped paying child support.

Haedeun Law Firm stated its policy to proceed with necessary legal procedures, prioritizing the protection of the child and the preservation of custody. At the same time, they requested that this matter, being a private affair, not cause harm to Jeong Cheol-won's affiliated club or fellow players. In response, Jeong Cheol-won's side has expressed its intention to fulfill responsibilities related to the child, such as child support payments and the decision on primary custody, while disputing the facts regarding the allegations of violence and infidelity.

Kim Ji-yeon and Jeong Cheol-won announced their pregnancy before marriage and welcomed their first son in August 2025. They held a wedding ceremony at a location in Seoul on December 14, approximately four months after the birth, but faced a crisis in their marriage about a month after the wedding. Following their short marriage, the conflict between the two escalated into a legal battle involving allegations of domestic violence, infidelity, child support, and property division.

Kim Ji-yeon, a graduate of Hanyang University's Department of Dance, gained public recognition through her pure appearance and honest charm when she appeared on the Mnet dating reality program 'Love Catcher' in 2018. Jeong Cheol-won joined the Doosan Bears as the 20th pick in the 2nd round of the 2018 KBO Rookie Draft, won the Rookie of the Year award in 2022, and was traded to the Lotte Giants after the conclusion of the 2024 season. Last year, he played a key role in the bullpen for the Lotte Giants, appearing in 75 games with 8 wins, 3 losses, and 21 holds, and an ERA of 4.24.

As the positions of both sides diverge, attention is once again focused on the matter as Jeong Cheol-won's side discloses decisions regarding primary custody and child support, while Kim Ji-yeon shares her daily life with her son. However, the allegations of domestic violence and infidelity remain matters where the claims of the parties are conflicting, and specific facts and legal judgments must be confirmed separately. The responses of both sides regarding childcare and privacy protection are emerging as important variables in the future conflict.

Read the original (Korean)