Seung-jae, son of SECHSKIES' Ko Ji-yong, wins five medals at international math competition

Seung-jae, the son of SECHSKIES member Ko Ji-yong, secured medals in all five categories at the 2026 World Team Maths Cup. His mother, Heo Yang-im, shared the news on the 1st, noting that the child previously scored in the top 0.5% in an intelligence test.

Seung-jae, the son of SECHSKIES member Ko Ji-yong, has demonstrated exceptional talent by winning medals in all five categories at an international mathematics competition. Having previously been evaluated in the top 0.5% in an intelligence test during his childhood, Seung-jae's success on the international stage prompted his mother, Heo Yang-im, to express overwhelming pride. However, she placed greater significance on the fact that he achieved these results through cooperation with his friends rather than just his mathematical ability.

Heo Yang-im shared the news of Seung-jae's awards via her social media on the 1st. Her son participated in the '2026 World Team Maths Cup' and secured medals in all five categories: Math Pioneers, Crossnumber, Shuttle, Relay, and Group. He reaped the fruits of his participation by winning in every single event rather than being limited to just one.

“They formed a team with friends, put their heads together, and achieved these precious results after doing their best until the end,” Heo explained. She added, “I hope the experience of thinking together, relying on one another, and achieving results as a team remains a great asset for Seung-jae for a long time.” She placed more meaning on the process of solving problems and sharing thoughts with teammates than on the number of medals won.

She also did not hide her affection for her son. “As a mother, I am so proud and moved to see him grow a step further by encountering and learning from good friends in an unfamiliar environment,” Heo stated. She expressed her satisfaction with her son's growth through facing challenges in a new environment and cooperating with his peers.

Seung-jae has drawn attention since his childhood due to his outstanding intellectual abilities. When he appeared on the MBC variety show 'What Is Study?' in 2020, an expert evaluated his intelligence test results as being in the top 0.5%, describing him as "a convergence talent capable of demonstrating excellent capabilities in all areas." As his learning abilities and potential were a topic of interest at the time, attention is now focused on his performance at this international math competition.

This achievement is meaningful both as a confirmation of his individual mathematical capabilities and as an opportunity to gain experience in collaboration. Heo Yang-im hoped that the experience of relying on friends and challenging themselves together would remain with her son for a long time, rather than simply the fact that he obtained medals. Interest is gathering regarding what further learning and achievements Seung-jae, who has been noted since childhood, will pursue in the future.

Ko Ji-yong and Heo Yang-im married in 2013 and had their son, Seung-jae, the following year. The three received much love when they appeared on the KBS 2TV show 'The Return of Superman' in 2017. The two drew attention when they belatedly revealed in July that they had divorced two years prior.

Currently, Ko Ji-yong and Heo Yang-im are undergoing legal proceedings regarding child support and visitation rights. Ko Ji-yong stated that he has filed an injunction to prohibit the obstruction of visitation and the posting of photos and videos of their child, while Heo Yang-im explained that she has already filed a petition for a visitation judgment with the court. Separate from the legal conflict between the parents, the news of Seung-jae's precious achievement at the international competition is receiving congratulations from many.

Read the original (Korean)