"Fulfill Your Duties as a Parent First," Writer So Jae-won Criticizes Ko Ji-yong; Ko Ji-yong Ultimately Files Criminal Complaint

[Financial News]  Ko Ji-yong, a former member of Sechs Kies, has filed a criminal complaint against writer So Jae-won amid an ongoing dispute with his ex-wife, Heo Yang-im, over visitation rights.
Ko Ji-yong's side told SPOTV NEWS on the 18th that it had filed a complaint against So Jae-won over a post criticizing Ko.
Ko Ji-yong's side explained, "We responded through legal procedures to prevent a third party who has never met either Ko Ji-yong or his agency from spreading information that differs from the facts." So Jae-won was reportedly accused of violating the Act on Promotion of Information and Communications Network Utilization and Information Protection, etc. (defamation).
On the 17th, So Jae-won shared his thoughts on reports concerning Ko Ji-yong on social media. He wrote, "I looked into the news about Ko Ji-yong after seeing one report after another, and I found myself sighing at the thought of the child who would be hurt. From the perspective of a divorced single-parent family, the stories were filled with things that were difficult to empathize with."
So Jae-won also criticized reports that Ko had failed to pay child support. He said, "I was taken aback when I saw a report saying that about 40 million won in child support had not been paid," adding, "They cited worsening health, hospitalization and financial difficulties as the reasons for the unpaid child support, but I did not find that particularly easy to empathize with. Regarding visitation rights, I fully understood the position of the mother, who is currently actively raising the child."
So Jae-won specifically criticized Ko Ji-yong, asking, "Did you fulfill your duties as a parent first before claiming your rights regarding your child?" He continued, "I hope you will find what you can do right now, take responsibility for the child support first and pay it in full, and show your sincerity as a father."
Ko Ji-yong and Heo Yang-im currently hold differing positions over visitation. Ko Ji-yong's side said it had sought an injunction prohibiting interference with visitation against Heo Yang-im, while Heo countered that she had first petitioned the court for a ruling on visitation. Heo said, "I plan to proceed with visitation faithfully in accordance with the court's decision going forward."
Ko Ji-yong's side also issued a second statement that day. It said, "Because my ex-wife filed a lawsuit first to restrict my visitation rights, I sought the injunction as a defensive measure," indicating that the situation had become difficult to resolve through dialogue.
Meanwhile, Ko Ji-yong and Heo Yang-im married in 2013 and had a son, Seung-jae. The couple drew attention by sharing their family life on KBS2's The Return of Superman, but they divorced in 2024. Heo Yang-im has custody.


[email protected] Han Seung-gon Reporter