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 broke up in 2000 but got back together in 2016.

Unlike other members, Ko Ji-yong left the entertainment world to start his own business. He surprised many by appearing at Sechs Kies' reunion on the TV show Infinite Challenge. Because of his family and work, he didn't sign a new contract with the group's agency, YG Entertainment. However, he is still seen as part of the group. From 2017 to 2019, he and his son were on the reality show The Return of Superman.

Early Life and Friends

Ko Ji-yong grew up in Seoul, South Korea. He went to elementary school with Kang Sung-hun, who would later become his bandmate in Sechs Kies. He was also schoolmates with g.o.d member Son Ho-young. Ko lost touch with Kang when Kang moved to the United States for high school.

Music Career

Joining Sechs Kies

Ko Ji-yong was asked by Kang Sung-hun to join a new boy band. Kang and his friend Eun Ji-won were putting the group together. This group became known as Sechs Kies. They officially started their music career on April 15, 1997. Ko Ji-yong was the second youngest member of the group.

Sechs Kies' Popularity and Breakup

Sechs Kies was very popular. Fans loved Ko Ji-yong for his good looks and singing voice. The group stayed together until they broke up in 2000. After the group disbanded, Ko Ji-yong decided not to continue as a solo singer. He chose to leave the entertainment industry and start his own business instead.

Years later, other Sechs Kies members talked about Ko Ji-yong. In 2008, Eun Ji-won said he hadn't seen Ko since the group broke up. In 2014, Jang Su-won shared that he was still in touch with Ko. He confirmed that Ko Ji-yong was running his own company.

The Big Reunion

In 2016, Sechs Kies got back together after 16 years. This happened because of the TV show Infinite Challenge. Ko Ji-yong had completely left the entertainment business. So, it was a huge surprise when he showed up at the reunion concert. He performed their famous song "Couple" with the other members.

After the Infinite Challenge episode, Sechs Kies became even more popular. Their old songs climbed high on music charts again. "Couple" even reached 11th place on the Music Bank chart. The group officially reunited and signed a contract 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.

Life as a "Half-Celebrity"

On July 18, 2016, Ko Ji-yong made a public appearance for a charity basketball event. He gave interviews 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." This meant he was partly famous but also had a regular life.

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 couldn't join Sechs Kies' activities because he was a family man. But he wanted to find ways to connect with fans. He also hoped to make many special 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.

Personal Life

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

Discography

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)

Other albums:

• Ali Baba and the 40 Thieves Musical OST (1998)
• 1020 Mix (1999)
• Sechskies Live Concert (1999)
• Blue Note (2000)

Filmography

Variety Show

• The Return of Superman (2017–2019) on KBS2

Awards

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

• 1997:
  • Golden Disc Awards, Bonsang
  • Seoul Music Awards, Bonsang
  • KMTV Korean Music Awards, New Artist
  • KBS Music Awards, Bonsang
  • MBC Music Festival, Best 10 Artist Award
  • SBS Music Awards, Best 10 Artist Award
• 1998:
  • Golden Disc Awards, Bonsang
  • Seoul Music Awards, Daesang (shared with H.O.T.)
  • Seoul Music Awards, Bonsang
  • KMTV Korean Music Awards, Popularity Award
  • KBS Music Awards, Artist Of The Year (Teen Category)
  • MBC Music Festival, Popularity Award
  • SBS Music Awards, Best 10 Artist Award
• 1999:
  • Golden Disc Awards, Bonsang
  • Seoul Music Awards, Bonsang
  • KMTV Korean Music Awards, Bonsang
  • KBS Music Awards, Bonsang
  • MBC Music Festival, Best 10 Artist Award
  • SBS Music Awards, Best 10 Artist Award
• 2018:
  • 16th KBS Entertainment Awards, Excellence Award – Male Variety Category (for The Return of Superman)