Kwon Eun-bi’s Cousin Dies Two Months After Appearing on 'Divorce Camp' — JTBC Reacts

Former professional football player Kang Ji-yong, known to be the cousin of singer Kwon Eun-bi, has tragically passed away at the age of 35, leaving fans and viewers in shock.

His death, which occurred on April 22, comes just two months after his appearance on the JTBC reality show ''Divorce Camp'', where he had candidly shared his personal struggles.

Kang gained attention in February when he appeared on the show as part of a couple nicknamed the “soccer couple.” Despite having once earned a substantial income as a pro athlete, he revealed he was now facing serious financial difficulties due to family issues. After retiring from football, he worked at a manufacturing plant to make ends meet. The show highlighted the deep conflicts between him and his wife, especially over money.

The news of his sudden death has added a layer of heartbreak to the emotional weight of the broadcast, which had openly explored his private concerns. In response, JTBC announced on April 23 that it is currently "reviewing the situation internally." The broadcaster has since made clips of Kang’s episodes private and removed some of the content from its on-demand platforms. Episodes featuring the “soccer couple,” previously uploaded to YouTube and various OTT channels, are no longer available for public viewing.

Kang Ji-yong made his professional debut in 2009 after being selected 5th overall by Pohang Steelers in the K League draft. Over his career, he played for several clubs including Busan IPark, Bucheon FC 1995, Gangwon FC, Incheon United FC, and Gimpo FC. During his time at Bucheon FC 1995, he was awarded the Fairchild Fair Play Award, earning recognition for both his skill and sportsmanship.

After retiring following the 2022 season, Kang appeared on ''Divorce Camp'' and spoke openly about adjusting to a new job and navigating conflict with his wife. Although the program depicted a reconciliation between the two with the help of professional guidance, viewers are now revisiting those moments with heavy hearts.

On April 23, former footballer Koo Bon-sang, known to be a close friend of Kang, shared the news of his passing via social media, deepening the public’s grief. Kang's funeral is being held at Soonchunhyang University Hospital in Cheonan, with his wife and daughter listed as chief mourners. The burial is scheduled for April 25 at Cheonan Memorial Park.

JTBC is reportedly reviewing additional measures regarding the episodes featuring the late Kang Ji-yong and is carefully discussing the future direction of the program.

Meanwhile, back in 2018, when Kwon Eun-bi was a contestant on Mnet’s ''Produce 48'', Kang shared a social media post encouraging fans to vote for her. Later, in a 2023 radio appearance, Kwon Eun-bi mentioned that she had a cousin who was a professional football player—leading many to believe that she was referring to Kang Ji-yong, though she did not mention him by name.

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