Ko Ji-yong files injunction against ex-wife Heo Yang-im to prevent interference with visitation rights... conflict over child support and custody issues

Ko Ji-yong filed an injunction with the court against his ex-wife Heo Yang-im to prohibit interference with visitation rights and the posting of child-related content. His agency, Mountain Movement Story, announced on the 16th that Ko Ji-yong had completed the application. Ko Ji-yong’s side stated that conflicts arose over child support payments and visitation rights after the divorce. Ko Ji-yong divorced Heo Yang-im by mutual agreement on April 24, 2024, and was hospitalized on May 9 of the same year for cirrhosis, liver fibrosis, shock, and other conditions. The agency explained that he focused on recovering his health through several hospitalizations over about two years. According to the agency, Ko Ji-yong had difficulties paying child support immediately after the divorce due to his illness but is now making regular payments. The monthly child support payment is reported to be about 1.8 million KRW. The agency added that Ko Ji-yong prioritizes paying child support over hospital bills as soon as he earns income. Ko Ji-yong’s side claimed that they expressed willingness to pay child support in installments but did not receive a response from the ex-wife’s side. They also stated that he had only met his child six times in about two years after the divorce. The use of the child’s photos and videos for hospital promotion purposes was also raised as an issue. The agency claimed that the ex-wife filed a provisional seizure application over child support issues, resulting in the seizure of Ko Ji-yong’s bank accounts and insurance. In response, Ko Ji-yong conveyed his sincere intention to comply through a certified letter, but communication was not smooth, leading to the filing of the injunction and visitation rights lawsuit on September 5. Hwang Ji-seon, CEO of Mountain Movement Story, explained that the ex-wife’s side filed a lawsuit first, and civil and criminal cases have already been filed regarding this. She also mentioned Ko Ji-yong’s health condition and financial difficulties, stating that they wanted to disclose the facts to prevent secondary damage. After recovering his health, Ko Ji-yong resumed communication through TikTok Live and signed an exclusive contract with Mountain Movement Story on July 21, announcing his return to the entertainment industry. The agency stated that he has been faithfully fulfilling child support payments since August 2026. Meanwhile, Ko Ji-yong debuted in 1997 as SECHSKIES and was active until the group disbanded in 2000, after which he worked as a businessman. He married Heo Yang-im in 2013 and had a son. In 2016, he appeared with his family on KBS 2TV’s ″The Return of Superman.″