On Saturday, October 5, the South Korean legal circle revealed that the Dream High actress and former T-ara member Jiyeon and the professional baseball player KT Wiz's Hwang Jae-gyun reportedly submitted a divorce mediation application to the Seoul Family Court last month. This application is expected to unfold into a divorce process for the couple's separation.
The couple has been tangled in rumors surrounding their possible divorce for a few months. The rumors initially surfaced on June 25 during a baseball broadcast on KNN. The commentator asked his fellow commentator if he had heard that baseball player Hwang Jae-gyun got divorced. The other commentator inquired whether there were articles written about the same.
While the two continued to dwell on this topic, this conversation was not included in the officially aired broadcast. However, it was caught on a YouTube livestream and quickly spread across the internet. These rumors were only further fueled when former T-ara's Jiyeon announced the hiatus of her YouTube channel.
While the idol's then-agency denied these divorce rumors, her recent YouTube videos set fire to the speculations again. On September 20, the model released a video documenting the preparations and behind-the-scenes of T-ara's 15th Anniversary Fan Meeting. In the video, many noticed she was not wearing her wedding ring.
These rumors were soon confirmed by the recent revelation made by the South Korean legal circles. Jiyeon and Hwang Jae-gyun also released their statements, personally announcing their divorce. On the other hand, the Dream High actress has deleted or removed all her wedding photos and pictures with Hwang Jae-gyun on Instagram and has also deleted her YouTube videos with him.
Dream High actress Jiyeon and KT Wiz's Hwang Jae-gyun release statements addressing their recent submission for divorce
The couple tied the knot in December 2022, after four months of publicly announcing their relationship. Following Jiyeon and baseball player Hwang Jae-gyun's divorce, Jiyeon's legal representative and attorney released a statement confirming the same. She explained the reason behind their decision to break off their marriage.
"The parties were unable to overcome their differences and have agreed to divorce after a period of separation. They have submitted a request for divorce mediation to the Seoul Family Court. We earnestly request that you refrain from sensational reporting and speculative comments."
On the other hand, the actress-idol released her statement.
Hello, this is Jiyeon. Firstly, I apologize for bringing you unpleasant news. We have agreed to proceed with mediation for divorce. I kindly ask for your understanding for not being able to make a quick statement. I will strive to present myself in a better light in the future. Thank you."
Baseball player KT Wiz's Hwang Jae-gyun also expressed his thoughts on the divorce submission.
"I apologize for bringing this unpleasant news to our fans. Jiyeon and I have agreed to divorce after much consideration due to personality differences, and we have submitted a request for divorce mediation to the Seoul Family Court. We plan to conclude this matter amicably through the mediation process."
He continued,
"Although our relationship as a couple has come to an end, we will continue to support and cheer for each other in our future endeavors. I sincerely apologize for disappointing our fans and kindly ask that you refrain from indiscriminate speculation and reporting."
Following the same, fans have been awaiting more information and updates regarding the couple's divorce. They tied the know in December 2022, after four months of publicly announcing their relationship.