T-ara’s Jiyeon’s Ex-Husband Hwang Jae-gyun Posts Cryptic Instagram Message After Divorce

Baseball player Hwang Jae-gyun, who recently divorced former T-ara member Jiyeon, is drawing attention for a cryptic message posted on social media.

On April 5, Hwang shared a single photo to his Instagram without any caption. The image showed a peaceful landscape featuring snow-covered trees and a calm lake. Overlayed on the photo was a sentence that read, “Tests must be passed, hardships must be overcome, and temptation must be rejected.”

The quote, emphasizing how to face life’s challenges and temptations, seems to reflect Hwang’s current state of mind and has caught the public’s eye.

Hwang and Jiyeon tied the knot in December 2022, but less than two years later, in November of last year, they finalized a divorce settlement.

At the time, Hwang’s side released an official statement saying, “The two were unable to overcome their differences and, after a period of separation, agreed to divorce and submitted a mediation request to the Seoul Family Court.” Jiyeon’s side also acknowledged the divorce, stating, “The two have mutually agreed to proceed with divorce mediation.” Throughout the process, both parties refrained from publicly criticizing or clashing with each other, quietly reaching a mutual agreement. Specific details about the reasons behind their separation were not disclosed.

After the divorce, Hwang shared other emotionally suggestive posts on his social media. He once uploaded a screenshot of lyrics from the Fall Out Boy song “The Phoenix,” which included lines such as “Put on your war paint,” “Do you feel it, youth?” and “There’s not much time left.”

Some netizens speculated that the phrase “Put on your war paint” might have been aimed at Jiyeon. Given that this was his first social media activity post-divorce, opinions were divided over whether the message was simply an emotional outpouring or a pointed reference to someone. The recent post on April 5, too, leaves room for interpretation, especially in light of Hwang’s current circumstances.

‘From Fairytale Wedding to Quiet Split

T-ara’s Jiyeon and baseball player Hwang Jae-gyun once captured the spotlight as a beloved celebrity couple. In 2022, Jiyeon and Hwang Jae-gyun announced their engagement, sharing heartfelt messages with fans. Then in December that year, the couple tied the knot in an elegant private ceremony at the Shilla Hotel in Seoul.

In 2024, rumors of marital trouble emerged during a baseball broadcast, but both parties denied any issues. October last year, the couple confirmed their separation and filed for divorce mediation at the Seoul Family Court, citing irreconcilable differences. Despite the public nature of their careers, they handled the breakup with a quiet dignity, offering only brief statements and no public disputes.

‘Cryptic Posts and Public Curiosity: What Hwang Jae-gyun’s Instagram and the Media Reveal’

A recent YouTube video recaps the public and media’s interpretation of Hwang Jae-gyun’s actions following the divorce. The video, in Korean, outlines how Hwang’s Instagram posts sparked speculation among fans and netizens. Most notably:

On April 5, 2025, Hwang posted a peaceful snowy landscape photo with the quote: “Tests must be passed, hardships must be overcome, and temptation must be rejected.”

The quote struck many as a reflection of his personal struggles, especially given the timing and context.

Earlier, he also uploaded lyrics from Fall Out Boy’s “The Phoenix” — including the line “Put on your war paint” — which fueled rumors that he might be subtly expressing frustration or signaling conflict.

The video further reflects on how their divorce, though handled quietly in public, has remained a topic of emotional curiosity, with fans continuing to interpret every update from the two stars.