Ko Ji-yong facts for kids

Ko Ji-yong (born July 1, 1980) is a South Korean singer and businessman. He was a member of Sechs Kies, a very popular K-pop group from the late 1990s. The group stopped performing in 2000 but got back together in 2016. Ko Ji-yong chose to leave the entertainment world and start his own business.

He made a special TV appearance when Sechs Kies reunited on the show Infinite Challenge. Even though he is still considered part of the group, he did not sign a contract with their new company, YG Entertainment. This was because of his family and work. From January 2017 to May 2019, he and his son, Ko Seung-jae, appeared on the reality TV show The Return of Superman.

Early Life and Friends

Ko Ji-yong grew up in Seoul, South Korea. When he was in elementary school, he was classmates with two future K-pop stars. One was Kang Sung-hun, who would later be in Sechs Kies with him. The other was Son Ho-young, who became a member of the group g.o.d. Ko Ji-yong lost touch with Kang Sung-hun when Kang moved to the United States for high school.

Ko Ji-yong's Career

Joining Sechs Kies

Kang Sung-hun asked Ko Ji-yong to join a new boy band he was forming. This group became known as Sechs Kies. They officially started their career on April 15, 1997. Ko Ji-yong was one of the younger members of the group.

Sechs Kies was very popular until they stopped performing in 2000. Fans loved Ko Ji-yong for his good looks and singing voice. After the group disbanded, he decided not to continue as a solo singer. Instead, he chose to leave the entertainment industry to start his own business.

Other members of Sechs Kies sometimes talked about Ko Ji-yong. In 2008, the group's leader, Eun Ji-won, said he had not seen Ko since the group broke up. Later, in 2014, another member, Jang Su-won, confirmed that he was still in touch with Ko Ji-yong. He also shared that Ko was running his own business.

The Big Reunion

In 2016, Sechs Kies reunited for a special TV show called Infinite Challenge. Ko Ji-yong had completely left the entertainment business. So, it was a big surprise when he appeared at the reunion concert. He performed their famous song "Couple" with the other members.

After the show, Sechs Kies gained many new fans. Their old songs became popular again on music charts. The group officially reunited and signed with YG Entertainment in May 2016. However, Ko Ji-yong was the only member who did not sign. He had chosen a different path outside of entertainment.

On July 18, 2016, Ko Ji-yong spoke to the media for the first time in 16 years. He said that after appearing on Infinite Challenge, he was living as a "half-celebrity." On November 30, it was announced that Ko Ji-yong and his son would join the TV show The Return of Superman. He explained that he could not join Sechs Kies' activities because of his family. But he wanted to find ways to connect with fans. He also hoped to make many memories with his son through the show. In May 2019, Ko Ji-yong announced that he and his son would be leaving The Return of Superman.

Ko Ji-yong's Family Life

On December 13, 2013, Ko Ji-yong married Heo Yang-im. She is a professor and a doctor. They have one son named Ko Seung-jae, who was born on October 6, 2014.

Sechs Kies Albums

Ko Ji-yong was part of these albums with Sechs Kies:

• School Byeolgok (1997)
• Welcome To The Sechskies Land (1997)
• Road Fighter (1998)
• Special Album (1998)
• Com’Back (1999)
• Ali Baba and the 40 Thieves Musical OST (1998)
• 1020 Mix (1999)
• Sechskies Live Concert (1999)
• Blue Note (2000)

TV Appearances

Ko Ji-yong appeared on the following TV show:

• The Return of Superman (2017–2019) – He was a cast member with his son.

Awards and Recognition

As a member of Sechs Kies, Ko Ji-yong received many awards:

• 1997: Won awards like the Golden Disc Awards Bonsang and Seoul Music Awards Bonsang.
• 1998: Received the Golden Disc Awards Bonsang and the Seoul Music Awards Daesang (Grand Prize), shared with H.O.T.
• 1999: Won more Bonsang awards from Golden Disc Awards, Seoul Music Awards, and others.
• 2018: Ko Ji-yong won the Excellence Award – Male Variety Category at the 16th KBS Entertainment Awards for his appearance on The Return of Superman.