"An Interview 26 Years After Sechs Kies Disbanded": Ko Ji-yong Opens Up About the $600 Dinner Show

After 26 years of silence, facing the rumors and scrutiny

Ko Ji-yong, a former member of Sechs Kies, a first-generation K-pop group that dominated the music scene in the 1990s, has broken his long absence and appeared before the public. In his first solo interview in 26 years, since the group officially disbanded in 2000, he spoke candidly about the many rumors and speculation surrounding him.

Meeting at a cafe in Seoul’s Gangnam District, Ko said, “A lot of things, from talk about the year-end concert to my personal life after the divorce, were distorted and reported inaccurately. I decided it was time to make my position clear and correct unnecessary misunderstandings.” He also clarified the professional background that had long remained under wraps: “I’ve worked in finance and real estate consulting for a long time.”

Ko appeared briefly in 2016 on a guerrilla stage for MBC’s variety show Infinite Challenge and on a weekend parenting show, but had kept his distance from entertainment stages, his former line of work. Recently, however, he officially announced his return to activities by planning a special performance with fellow members Jang Su-won and Lee Jai-jin.

On why he declined to join the group’s reunion in the past, he said, “At the time, I was the only member with a family, and I felt a strong sense of responsibility toward my main job. I simply didn’t want to become an inconvenience or burden to the group while juggling group activities. I didn’t stay away because I didn’t want to take part.”

Facing the “pricey dinner show” controversy, hoping for a full-group reunion at the 30th anniversary

Ko’s official stage comeback, “Sechs Kies’ Untold Story,” will be held on the 15th and 16th of next month at the Tower Ballroom at INSPIRE Entertainment Resort in Yeongjongdo, Incheon. But with tickets priced at 600,000 won per person, some have raised concerns about the high cost, prompting mixed reactions from fans.

The organizers said the event is a comprehensive package that includes accommodation, a high-end meal and private car service, among other costs. Ko, for his part, said he would fully accept fans’ disappointment. “I fully understand that fans who have waited so long may feel let down,” he said. “That’s why I wanted to create a chance to sit down with them in person, talk about what we haven’t been able to say over the years and answer their questions honestly.”

The project began as discussions about a small fan meeting with Lee Jai-jin and grew in scale when Jang Su-won joined. Ko said, “This dinner show is not an official Sechs Kies reunion,” but added that “all the members understand the significance of the group’s upcoming 30th anniversary. Even if releasing a new album proves difficult, I hope we can at least hold an anniversary concert together next year.” His words reflected his strong attachment to the group’s activities.

Overcoming cirrhosis and setting out on a second chapter

Ko also spoke candidly about the rapid weight loss that worried the public and the truth behind speculation about his health. He did not hide that he was diagnosed with cirrhosis after turning to alcohol to cope with business-related fraud and severe personal stress.

Ko Ji-yong said, “I stubbornly tried to push through, and my weight fell to 63 kilograms. It was a dangerous situation, but with consistent treatment and care, I’ve recovered and now weigh 72 kilograms.” Regarding the legal proceedings over his divorce and child-rearing, which were belatedly disclosed in July, he added, “I’m waiting for the court’s considered decision. I have a good relationship with my child, like a friend—we even spoke on the phone yesterday.”

Having weathered severe hardships and returned to the microphone, he resolved, “Rather than give in to unnecessary fears, I’ll calmly work through the challenges in front of me one by one. While staying committed to my main career, I’ll continue to explore entertainment activities that let me give back to the fans who have remembered me for so long.”