Former professional football player Kang Ji-yong, along with his wife Lee Da-eun, has found themselves at the center of marital turmoil showcased on the JTBC reality show, ‘Divorce Counseling Camp.’ The couple, who is struggling significantly with financial issues and communication barriers, appeared together on the program aired on February 27, 2025.
Kang Ji-yong disclosed during the show his previous life as a professional athlete and the challenges he now faces. "I have prepared everything to die. My wish is to die during my sleep. I was so stressed and working hard, but my will to live was crushed by my wife," he expressed, reflecting the depths of his despair amid their marital conflict.
The couple's relationship story began under complicated circumstances, with Kang explaining, "I started living together with my wife the day we met because she got pregnant; if I knew we were going to raise the kids this way, I wouldn't have had children." This early commitment marked the beginning of their challenges, as their lives rapidly changed with the addition of the responsibilities of parenthood.
Their relationship has become increasingly strained due to financial pressures. Kang’s past earnings as an athlete, which once featured contracts worth millions, significantly differ from his current monthly income, which he described as around 300-400,000 won. “If I had money, we wouldn’t be fighting about such things,” he lamented, showcasing the link between their financial situation and marital strife.
Lee Da-eun challenged Kang’s perspective on their spending, stating, “Why does my husband's lack of income become my fault?” She insisted her financial decisions were merely trying to manage the household, sparking more heated discussions between the couple. Their conversations had turned almost accusatory, with Kang urging his wife to be more mindful of expenses. This friction was highlighted when he remarked, “Why poke at someone’s dignity with hurtful words?”
Despite the turmoil, there were moments of reflection and attempts at reconciliation witnessed during the show. West actor Seojang Hoon, who hosted the segment, attempted to mediate their discussions, emphasizing the importance of open communication to resolve their differences.
Lee Da-eun maintained the financial discussions were central to their issues, stating, “You have come to this point, even after everything we’ve been through?” This comment illustrated the Emotional and mental fatigue accumulating within their relationship.
The culmination of these conflicts even led Kang to meet with divorce lawyers, but he stated, “I realized it was not about choosing between Katie and my child; it is about trying to find common ground.”
Despite society's pressures and their mounting disagreements, this episode sheds light on the harsh realities faced by many couples who find their relationships strained under financial stress. It highlights the increase of mental health discussions tied within marital conflicts, often leading to severe emotional consequences.
With both parties expressing the desire to work through their issues, they attended counseling sessions, hoping for solutions laid out within the program. The couple shared glimpses of hope, signalling their commitment to rebuilding their relationship.
‘Divorce Counseling Camp’ will continue to touch upon various real-life marital issues, and viewers can catch new episodes Thursdays at 10:10 p.m. on JTBC. The compelling story of Kang and Lee reflects the personal battles many face within matrimonial unions, where love, struggle, and hope intertwine.