Ko Ji-yong defends himself against fan backlash: "I have never made money by leveraging JYJ… Why can't I use the name?" [Interview ③]

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

As Ko Ji-yong of the group JYJ is set to take the stage with his members for the first time in about 10 years, he shared his candid thoughts on the backlash from some fans.

Ko met with StarNews at a cafe on Noryeong-ro in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, on the 5th to discuss the year-end event featuring JYJ members and the controversy surrounding it.

Ko will appear alongside Lee Jae-jin and Jang Su-won at "THE TREE in INSPIRE – JYJ's Untold Story," scheduled for December 15 and 16 at Inspire Arena in Incheon. The event has been organized ahead of JYJ's 30th anniversary next year.

Most notably, Ko's appearance on an official stage with his JYJ members marks roughly a decade since the group's reunion stage on MBC's "Infinite Challenge" in 2016, drawing significant attention. After the team disbanded in 2000, he transitioned into business and did not participate in formal activities even during JYJ's 2016 reunion.

Regarding how this event came to fruition, Ko stated, "In the summer, I naturally met up with (Lee) Jae-jin hyung for a meal and we had various conversations. Since next year marks JYJ's 30th anniversary of debut, which is meaningful, we talked about whether there was something we could do."

He continued, "While we were exchanging phone calls, Jae-jin hyung suggested that the two of us should give it a try. Later, (Jang) Su-won joined in, and the scale grew a bit," explaining, "It wasn't planned from the start; it just turned out this way as we talked."

However, after news of the event emerged, some JYJ fans voiced opposition to Ko's participation and the use of the team name. The argument is that it is inappropriate for Ko, who did not join formal activities during the 2016 reunion, to participate in an event bearing the JYJ name.

In response, Ko said, "I think those who criticize have the right to do so, and I understand why fans are criticizing me," while adding, "I have never used the name JYJ while doing my own work. It doesn't help my business, and I personally have no reason to use that name."

He emphasized, "However, I think it makes no sense to say I cannot use the name JYJ when I am going on stage with JYJ members."

He also addressed criticism regarding his appearance on the KBS 2TV variety show "The Return of Superman," despite not participating in past JYJ reunions.

Ko stated, "I understand the criticism asking why I didn't do JYJ but appeared on 'The Return of Superman,'" while clarifying, "However, I have never once said with my own mouth that I would not appear on broadcasts. At the time, I said it was difficult to join JYJ activities; I did not say I would not appear on broadcasts."

He further revealed, "That part got distorted and spread, leading to divided opinions and conflict among JYJ fans. There were various issues at that time as well."

It was also not an easy decision to appear on "The Return of Superman." Ko said, "I agonized a lot back then too. I had to expose my child and reveal our home. Since the company mentioned filming, even employees would be exposed," adding, "Observational variety shows have that aspect, so after much deliberation, I decided to participate."

He added, "There may have been fans disappointed by that choice, but I fully understand it. I think it is something I should accept."

Ko also explained why he did not join formal activities during JYJ's 2016 reunion.

He stated, "At the time, family was a priority. My child's mother was working as a university professor, and our child was young. So it is true that I stayed away from broadcasting activities," clarifying, "My family did not stop me from working; I made that judgment on my own."

He continued, "I kept watching the members appear on broadcasts. I felt envious as well," revealing his affection for the team.

He added, "Calling it a comeback seems a bit grandiose. In the past, family was the priority, but now, if given the opportunity, I would like to occasionally appear on broadcasts."

He explained that this event is closer to a gathering to share memories with fans than a formal concert. Ko said, "You can think of it as a party-style event where fans can play, eat, and enjoy themselves together."

As he is taking the stage after a long time, he is putting effort into preparation. He said, "I think I need to work at least twice as hard as others. Even if I don't stand out, I shouldn't be a burden to the members," revealing, "For songs we performed often on stage, the choreography comes back to me, but for songs only performed in concerts long ago, it is hazy."

Finally, Ko shared his expectations for JYJ's 30th anniversary. He stated, "If we can make it happen, I definitely want to do a 30th-anniversary stage. The time of the 30th anniversary will not come again, and perhaps it could be the last one," adding, "Because it is that meaningful, I really want to try it."

<© STARNEWS. All rights reserved. No reproduction or redistribution allowed.>

*This content was translated by AI.View Original