Widow of late footballer Kang Ji-yong posts cryptic message regarding family conflict

The widow of former footballer Kang Ji-yong posted a social media message on the 21st expressing displeasure over broken promises and lies. The post follows the sudden death of the 35-year-old, who had previously appeared on JTBC's 'Divorce Camp' to discuss financial hardships and family struggles.

The widow of the late former footballer Kang Ji-yong, who appeared on JTBC's 'Divorce Camp' before his sudden passing last year, has drawn attention after posting a significant message on social media. Following her husband's death, she had previously appealed for an end to speculation surrounding the family, but she has now expressed strong displeasure, citing broken promises, lies, and responsibility. As previously released text messages resurface, interest is growing regarding the context of her words, though she has not explicitly identified the targets or the specific details of the conflict.

On the 21st, Kang Ji-yong's wife, referred to as Ms. A, posted on her SNS: "The problem lies with the person who made promises they couldn't keep in the first place, and it is your fault for using those promises as an excuse to lie. Why do you make the person who believed you feel so insignificant?" She continued, "Only say things you can handle. Who is it that is pushing me to the edge? I have never said things I didn't know, nor have I lied. And I am not afraid."

The most striking sentence appeared at the end of the post. Ms. A added, "I hope you are always ashamed, wherever and whenever you live." Her firm expression and emotional tone have led to curiosity regarding the background of the statement, though she did not directly reveal the identity of the individual or the specific incident.

Previously, Ms. A had shared text messages she obtained, writing, "Hahaha, this is funny. You thought I wouldn't know, didn't you?" She added, "Don't hide, don't run away, and don't avoid. Neither I, nor you." The released messages, which are presumed to have been sent by Kang Ji-yong's in-laws, caused controversy. However, as the sender and the overall circumstances of the messages have not been clearly verified, it is difficult to conclude the reality of the conflict based on them alone.

The interest in Ms. A's posts is fueled by the family history the couple disclosed on television. From February 27 to March 20, 2025, Kang Ji-yong and Ms. A appeared three times on JTBC's 'Divorce Camp.' At the time, they confessed to experiencing severe conflict over financial issues and received counseling and solutions through the program to attempt to repair their relationship.

During the broadcast, Kang Ji-yong confessed to the financial hardships facing his family. He explained that after his older brother passed away, he had stood as a guarantor for his brother's business, which led to difficult situations such as receiving calls from moneylenders. Looking back on that time, he said, "A storm hit after my brother's funeral. From then on, the household collapsed." It was reported that the combination of financial burdens and family conflicts shook the couple's relationship.

However, on April 22, 2025, approximately two months after their broadcast appearance, news arrived that Kang Ji-yong had passed away suddenly at the age of 35. Viewers expressed sadness at the news, which came after the couple had shown efforts to reconcile. Following the deceased's death, the production team of 'Divorce Camp' removed the relevant VOD content.

Lee Ho-seon, a professor at Soongsil Cyber University who handled the counseling at the time, mourned the deceased, saying, "I mourn one who lived passionately, fiercely, and kindly before passing." It was also reported that program MC Seo Jang-hoon sent a funeral wreath to the memorial to pay his respects. For those who watched the couple's conflict on the show, Kang Ji-yong's sudden death remained a significant shock.

Following the death, various speculations and malicious rumors surrounding the bereaved family spread. In response, Ms. A appealed, "Please refrain from speculation about our family of three." She added, "Our couple truly cherished and loved our baby, and we still cherish and love them now. I hope our baby is not hurt as they grow up." In the wake of losing her husband, she expressed her desire that her child, at least, would not be hurt by unverified stories.

The specific background of this recent post has not yet been confirmed. While various interpretations are emerging regarding the messages and the strong tone used by Ms. A, it cannot be determined what the current situation with the in-laws is or to whom the remarks were directed. As this is a matter involving the deceased and his bereaved family, it is necessary to focus on additional explanations from the parties involved and objectively verified information rather than accepting unverified speculation as fact.

Kang Ji-yong debuted as a professional footballer after being selected 5th in the 2009 K League draft by Pohang Steelers. He subsequently played for Busan IPark, Bucheon FC 1995, Gangwon FC, and Incheon United FC, before concluding his active career at the end of the 2022 season. As his name is being mentioned again following his life as a footballer and his disclosure of family and daily struggles through broadcasting, interest in the family he left behind continues.

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