Former K-League Player Kang Ji-yong Dies at⁢ 35

SEOUL, South ‌Korea (AP) — Kang Ji-yong, a former K-League soccer player who recently appeared on the JTBC reality show “Divorce Sook-Suk Camp,” has died at the age of 35. The cause of death was not immediately known.

Obituary Announced

Gu bon-sang,another former soccer player,announced KangS death on social media​ on Wednesday.⁣ A ⁤funeral is scheduled for 6:30 a.m. Friday at Cheonan Memorial Park.The funeral hall ⁣is located at ⁣Cheonan Hospital, Soonchunhyang University.

Appearance on ‘Divorce Sook-suk Camp’

Kang and his wife appeared on ‌”Divorce Sook-Suk ‌Camp” in February. During the show, Kang discussed working at​ a chemical manufacturing ⁣plant earning 3 million won a month after‌ retiring from professional soccer. ‍The program focused on the couple’s efforts to reconcile, addressing⁢ financial conflicts and reaffirming their affection.

JTBC ⁢Removes Video Clip

Following news of Kang’s⁤ death, JTBC removed the‍ video clip featuring Kang and his wife⁢ from the “Divorce Sook-Suk Camp” program. ⁢The network expressed condolences and stated the decision to remove‍ the video was made⁢ out ⁢of respect for the‌ deceased.

K-league Career

Kang was drafted by the‌ Pohang Steelers in 2009. He played for ⁣Pohang for three‍ years before‌ moving to‌ Busan I-Park in 2012. He also played for Bucheon FC,‌ Gangwon ⁣FC, and ⁣Incheon United.

From 2019 to 2022, Kang played in lower leagues, including for the Gangneung Citizen Football Team, before retiring.

Teams Offer condolences

Several of Kang’s former teams expressed their condolences via social media.

Pohang Steelers posted,​ “Kang‍ Ji-yong, who debuted with Pohang in‍ 2009 and was with us for three seasons, has left us.We express our deepest condolences ⁤and bless the deceased.”

Busan I-Park, Bucheon FC, Gangwon FC,​ and ⁤Incheon United ‍also posted messages of mourning.

The Korea Professional Football Federation, which oversees the K-League, released a statement saying, “Kang Ji-yong, who was active in the K-League from 2009 to 2018, has left​ us.”