Baseball player Jung Cheol-won ultimately gives up custody rights amid 'affair controversy'… Kim Ji-yeon shares "Selfie, yay" date with son [Star Issue]

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Kim Ji-yeon, a former contestant on the reality show "Love Catcher," who has been in conflict with baseball player Jung Cheol-won since their separation, shared an update on her recent life.

On the 6th, Kim posted several photos of her spending everyday moments with her son, accompanied by the caption, "I should post a selfie, yay."

Previously, Law Firm Daeryun, which serves as legal counsel for Jung Cheol-won, issued an official statement on the 6th. The firm stated, "Player Jung Cheol-won has strived to fulfill his duties as a professional baseball player while also carrying out his responsibilities as a father and creating a healthy parenting environment throughout the legal proceedings regarding custody that have continued from last January to the present." The statement added, "Currently, there are differences of opinion between the parties regarding the subject matter and scope of property division, and related negotiations have not been resolved amicably. It has been determined that the opposing party's legal counsel filed a resignation notice on September 21."

The firm further emphasized, "Jung Cheol-won's side expresses significant concern over the spread of allegations regarding domestic violence and infidelity. We are contesting the factual relationships and interpretations of the raised suspicions, and we maintain that one must be cautious about accepting unverified content based solely on one party's claims or partial materials as established facts."

The legal counsel added, "Specific legal review is needed to determine whether future contract bonuses, salaries, and incentives that have not yet occurred or been finalized can be treated identically to joint property formed during the marriage. Even for amounts to be paid in the future, if they constitute deferred payment of rights already accrued or are substantively related to property formed during the marriage, the legal evaluation may differ." The statement continued, "Jung Cheol-won has granted primary custody to his ex-wife and decided to pay child support. Jung Cheol-won conveyed that he has a minor child who needs protection more than his performance as a player or property division in the divorce, and requested that measures be taken to ensure the child's privacy and emotional stability are not damaged amid the repeated spread of legal disputes through media and online platforms. Going forward, we plan to respond within the scope necessary to respect ongoing legal proceedings and protect the welfare of the minor child and the legitimate rights and interests of the parties involved."

Previously, on December 24, 2025, Kim Ji-yeon interacted with fans during a Q&A session, drawing attention with responses that seemed to hint at her divorce and separation from Jung Cheol-won.

Kim Ji-yeon is a graduate of the Department of Dance at Hanyang University. She gained recognition by appearing on Mnet's dating reality program "Love Catcher," which aired in 2018. At the time, she won great love from viewers with her pure appearance and candid charm.

Jung Cheol-won was drafted by the Doosan Bears in the second round, 20th pick of the 2nd round of the 2018 KBO Rookie Draft. He won the KBO Rookie of the Year award in 2022, his first year in the first division, and was traded to Lotte after the end of the 2024 season. In his first year with Lotte last year, he served as a key pillar of the bullpen, recording 7 wins and 3 losses in 75 games, along with 21 holds, an ERA of 4.24, and 55 strikeouts in 70 innings, pitching behind closer Kim Won-joong.

Kim Ji-yeon and Jung Cheol-won announced their pregnancy before getting married, and welcomed their first son in August 2025. The couple then held a wedding ceremony at an undisclosed location in Seoul on December 14, 2025, approximately four months after the birth, officially becoming a married couple. However, they faced a crisis of separation just over a month after the wedding.

Law Firm Haden, which serves as legal counsel for Kim Ji-yeon, stated, "Various speculative rumors are currently circulating regarding this case, and it has been confirmed in many instances that false facts included among them are causing secondary harm. In particular, since Player Jung Cheol-won's side has also made statements regarding custody rights through their legal counsel, we wish to express an official position on behalf of Ms. Kim Ji-yeon." The firm added, "Since the marriage, Ms. Kim Ji-yeon has endured constant suffering due to domestic violence and other issues while raising a young child. Additionally, many people have reported circumstances that raise suspicions of infidelity by Player Jung Cheol-won recently."

The statement continued, "Despite this, Kim Ji-yeon tried her best to resolve the issue amicably for the sake of the child and maintain the marital relationship. However, she is in a situation where she feels great frustration after the child's father left home abandoning the child, stopped paying child support, and mentioned divorce and custody rights through his legal counsel." The firm concluded, "In proceeding with all future steps, we will prioritize protecting the child and safeguarding custody rights, and plan to take legal action if necessary. This case is purely a personal matter, and we earnestly ask for your help in ensuring that no harm comes to Player Jung Cheol-won's affiliated team or his fellow players."

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original