Ko Ji-yong and Heo Yang-im's son, a "top 0.5% genius," wins medals in five categories at international math competition [Star Issue]

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Seung-jae, the son of former J-TL member Ko Ji-yong and family medicine specialist Heo Yang-im, secured medals in five categories at an international mathematics competition.

On the 1st, Heo shared news on her social media account, stating, "Seung-jae, who participated in the 2026 World Team Maths Cup, has returned with medals around his neck in five categories: Math Pioneers, Crossnumber, Shuttle, Relay, and Group."

She continued, "It is a bit disappointing that he did not reach for a gold medal, but by forming a team with friends, pooling our heads together, and combining our efforts to do our best until the very end, we managed to hang several medals around his neck."

She added, "I wonder if the experience of worrying together, relying on one another, and creating results as a team will stay with Seung-jae for a longer time. As his mother, I am truly proud and feel a sense of accomplishment seeing him return having grown another inch by interacting with and learning from good friends in an unfamiliar place. Seung-jae, and all the friends who participated with you, did a wonderful job."

The photos showed 12-year-old Seung-jae wearing medals won in five categories at the international mathematics competition around his neck and holding them in his hands.

Seung-jae previously appeared on KBS 2TV's "The Return of Superman." At the time, despite being only three years old, he recorded a language intelligence ranking in the top 0.1% due to his articulate speech. In response, Ko stated, "He is not a genius. He still does well in his studies. He has enrolled in a music academy for gifted students and is diligently practicing the violin."

Seung-jae also appeared on MBC's "Study is Money?" in 2020, where an expert told him that his intelligence test results placed him in the top 0.5%, describing him as a convergent talent capable of demonstrating outstanding capabilities in all areas.

Meanwhile, Heo married Ko, a former member of J-TL, in 2013 and gave birth to their son Seung-jae the following year. However, the couple divorced approximately two years ago, disclosing this fact only last July. It is known that the two are currently engaged in legal disputes over issues such as their son's child support and visitation rights.

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original