Sudden Farewell Shocks Everyone: The Passing of Former K League Footballer Kang Ji-yong

On April 22, 2025, the football world and the public were stunned by heartbreaking news: former K League footballer Kang Ji-yong passed away at the age of 35. Just two months prior, he left a deep impression on viewers through his appearance on JTBC’s “Divorce Reflection Camp,” making the shock of his sudden death all the more poignant as many express their condolences.

Kang began his professional football career in 2009, joining Pohang Steelers as the fifth pick in the K League draft. Over the years, he showcased his talent with multiple clubs including Busan IPark, Bucheon FC 1995, Gangwon FC, and Incheon United FC, before retiring at the end of 2022.

After retirement, Kang embraced a more ordinary life, working at a chemical manufacturing plant with a monthly salary of 3 million won. Yet, through his recent appearance on “Divorce Reflection Camp,” he openly shared his personal struggles—conflicts with his wife, financial hardships—which resonated deeply with many.

The exact cause of his sudden death remains unknown. However, this tragic event occurring right after his TV appearance raises numerous questions. It highlights the stark contrast between the image he portrayed on screen and the reality he faced, while also igniting a broader social conversation about the challenges retired athletes endure.

Kang Ji-yong’s funeral is being held at Soonchunhyang University Hospital’s funeral hall in Cheonan, Chungnam, with the wake ongoing and the funeral scheduled for 6:30 AM on April 25. As fellow athletes and fans continue to pay their respects, his unexpected passing leaves our society reflecting on many profound questions.

From the Field to the Factory—The Fiery Life of Kang Ji-yong

Starting as a promising talent for Pohang Steelers, Kang Ji-yong’s dazzling career spanned multiple teams during his playing days, and later, a life in a factory after retirement. Behind the seemingly glamorous journey of Kang Ji-yong lay an untold side rarely seen.

A Brilliant Beginning as a Professional Footballer

Drafted fifth in the 2009 K-League draft by Pohang Steelers, Kang Ji-yong entered the professional soccer world amid high expectations. Donning the jersey of the prestigious Pohang Steelers and commanding the field, he captured the hearts of many football fans.

Building Experience Across Multiple Clubs

Kang Ji-yong’s football journey didn’t end with Pohang. His career continued as he moved through various clubs like Busan IPark, Bucheon FC 1995, Gangwon FC, and Incheon United FC. At each club, he showcased his skills and steadily built his professional legacy.

Facing the Harsh Reality After Retirement

In 2022, Kang Ji-yong closed the chapter on his life as a professional footballer. However, what awaited him after retirement was a harsher reality than expected. Leaving behind the glamorous pitch, he chose a path working at a chemical manufacturing factory.

A New Life with a Salary of 3 Million Won

The image of Kang Ji-yong earning 3 million won a month working in a factory shocked many. Once cheered by countless fans, the footballer now living an ordinary office worker’s life strikingly exposed the reality that professional athletes often face after retirement.

Hidden Financial Struggles Unveiled

Through his appearance on JTBC’s ‘Divorce Consideration Camp,’ Kang Ji-yong’s family struggles were partially revealed. On the show, he candidly shared conflicts with his wife, especially hardships caused by financial difficulties. This glimpse into his life showed that beneath the surface of fame lay a world full of hardship and trials.

Kang Ji-yong’s life journey reveals a dramatic transformation from a star footballer to an ordinary worker. His story reignites social awareness and the urgent need for support regarding the lives of professional athletes after retirement.

Confession on Air: The True Life of Kang Ji-yong

Kang Ji-yong, who regained attention through his appearance on JTBC’s “Divorce Reflection Camp,” captured viewers’ hearts with his struggles—conflicts with his wife, the burden of making a living, and deeply human worries. Why did his story resonate so deeply with the audience?

In February 2025, Kang Ji-yong and his wife Lee Da-eun appeared on “Divorce Reflection Camp,” bringing their life story to the public eye. The image of Kang Ji-yong revealed on the show touched many hearts. His journey from a former professional soccer player to a factory worker earning 3 million won a month laid bare the raw realities and hardships he faced.

Financial Hardships and the Weight of Family

Kang Ji-yong openly shared the financial difficulties he experienced after retirement. The glory days as a professional athlete were behind him, replaced by the heavy responsibility of supporting his family’s livelihood. Working at a chemical manufacturing plant for 3 million won a month struck a chord with many viewers.

Marital Conflicts and Efforts to Heal

On the show, the couple did not hide their conflicts fueled by financial strain. Yet, they also showed genuine efforts toward repairing their relationship. This honest portrayal offered comfort and hope to many couples facing similar struggles.

Kang Ji-yong the Man: His Struggles and Determination

The image of Kang Ji-yong presented on “Divorce Reflection Camp” was that of a man tormented between a glittering past and a harsh present. His determination to become a better father for his 3-year-old daughter moved many viewers deeply.

Viewers’ Reactions and Empathy

After the broadcast, the audience’s response toward Kang Ji-yong was passionate. Many were touched by his honesty and dedication to his family, sending messages of support. His story transcended that of a typical celebrity’s tale, reflecting the realities of our society.

The sudden news of Kang Ji-yong’s death struck an even deeper chord in this context. For those who empathized with and cheered for his life through the broadcast, this tragedy became a poignant reminder to reevaluate the darker sides of our society.

The Left-Behind Family and Lingering Questions

The sudden news of Kang Ji-yong’s death delivered a heavy shock to his family and acquaintances. Especially difficult to imagine is the state of his wife, Lee Da-eun, who was striving to mend their relationship through the “Divorce Cooling-Off Camp,” and their three-year-old daughter. Their moments together, revealed through the broadcast, resonated deeply with many, yet now the fruits of those efforts can never be witnessed.

The undisclosed cause of death also raises suspicions. Many are curious about why someone so young—reported to be either 35 or 37 years old—would pass away so abruptly. This has sparked numerous questions regarding the handling of Kang Ji-yong’s affairs after his passing.

Attention is also drawn to JTBC’s alteration of the broadcast schedule for “Divorce Cooling-Off Camp.” The production team is reportedly grappling with whether to air additional episodes featuring Kang Ji-yong’s couple and the future direction of the program. This unexpected circumstance has piqued public interest in how the network will proceed.

The age controversy remains unresolved, with some media outlets reporting him as 35 and others as 37, causing confusion. Such discrepancies highlight the urgent need for accurate records of Kang Ji-yong’s life.

It is also notable that until shortly before his death, he worked at a chemical factory earning 3 million won per month. This fact may spark wider social discussions about the post-retirement life and financial struggles of former professional athletes.

Kang Ji-yong’s death leaves behind a host of unanswered questions. The family’s mourning, the undisclosed cause of death, the future of the broadcast, and the age confusion all remain unresolved mysteries. In seeking answers to these questions, our society is compelled to reflect more deeply on the lives of athletes after retirement and the ethical responsibilities of entertainment programs.

Remembering Kang Ji-yong: A Short but Impactful Presence

The sudden news of Kang Ji-yong’s passing has left a profound sorrow in the hearts of many. As a football player, a husband, and a father, he departed leaving unfinished stories behind. Reflecting on his life, we revisit the messages he has shared with us all.

Passion That Shone on the Football Field

Since joining the K League in 2009, Kang Ji-yong steadily honed his skills across several clubs. His dynamic presence on the field for teams like Pohang Steelers, Busan IPark, and Incheon United FC remains vivid in the memories of fans. Fellow players have praised his professionalism and tenacity, cherishing the moments spent alongside him.

At Home: A Genuine Husband and Father

Kang Ji-yong’s family life, revealed through his appearance on the ‘Divorce Reflection Camp’ TV show, resonated deeply with many. Despite economic hardships, he made sincere efforts to restore his relationship with his wife and demonstrated heartfelt affection for his three-year-old daughter. His authentic role as a husband and father reminded viewers of the priceless value of family.

New Challenges After Retirement and Ongoing Issues

After retiring from professional football, Kang Ji-yong embraced a new life as an ordinary employee—a transition that garnered empathy and encouragement from many. Working at a chemical manufacturing plant earning 3 million won a month to support his family, his story spotlighted the broader social concerns regarding athletes’ careers after sports and their welfare.

The Message Kang Ji-yong Left Behind: Challenges for Our Society

Kang Ji-yong’s life and untimely passing raise important questions for society: How do professional athletes face life after retirement? What support exists for those striving to protect their families amid financial struggles? What ethical boundaries should govern the exposure of private lives through entertainment programs? His brief yet powerful existence leaves us with these pressing challenges to confront and resolve together.

In the hearts of fans and colleagues mourning Kang Ji-yong, his passion, dedication, and love for his family will be forever remembered. Through his journey, we are reminded to cherish every moment in life and to embrace understanding and compassion toward one another. Kang Ji-yong, we thank you for your short but meaningful journey and respectfully offer our deepest condolences.