Lee Da Eun reveals text messages with late Kang Ji Yong's mother following family dispute

Lee Da Eun, wife of the late former soccer player Kang Ji Yong and participant in JTBC's reality show 'Divorce Camp,' has made public a private text exchange with her mother-in-law.

On May 2, Lee Da Eun posted screenshots of a conversation on her social media, revealing messages exchanged with the late Kang Ji Yong’s mother (referred to as Mrs. A). In the messages, Mrs. A stated, “Before Ji Yong met you, he secretly co-signed loans without telling his parents, and he took much more money than what he earned. It might be pointless to say this now, but I’m just speaking out because I feel frustrated and disappointed.”

Lee Da Eun responded firmly, saying, “There’s not a single truth in what you said. If Ji Yong actually told you those things, I will resent him for the rest of my life. But if you’re the one lying, I won’t just let it slide.”

Mrs. A replied, “Do whatever you want. I said this out of parental concern and heartache. Haven’t you already made me out to be the bad person? Still, I’ve stayed quiet. I haven't responded to anything, but I’m just speaking my pain. Let’s not talk anymore. Take care.”

Lee Da Eun then responded with a strong message: “Ji Yong transferred more money to you than to me. If there’s any falsehood in our family’s financial matters, I’ll accept punishment. But if what you’ve told me turns out to be untrue, can you handle the consequences?” Mrs. A did not respond after that.

Sharing these texts, Lee Da Eun added a caption: “I know friends and acquaintances will see this, and I know you're checking through secondary accounts. So please stop spreading made-up stories.” She continued, “You said you’d show me proof of the money Ji Yong sent you. Why haven’t you?”

Kang Ji Yong passed away on April 22 at the age of 37. He had appeared with his wife Lee Da Eun on the February 27 episode of JTBC’s 'Divorce Camp,' where they opened up about family tensions.

At the time, Kang Ji Yong revealed he had earned a hefty salary during his 11-year career as a professional footballer, but was left with no money. He said he gave his parents around 500 million KRW (~360,000 USD) and never got it back. He also said he ended up in serious debt after co-signing a loan for his older brother, which added to the strain on his marriage. Though the couple reconciled tearfully on the show, the news of his death just two months later left viewers shocked and saddened.

On April 30, Lee Da Eun took to social media again, writing, “The narrative keeps changing, and the truth is being distorted. I have never hidden any facts. Ji Yong always spoke honestly about the help he did or didn’t receive from his family. But now, watching them shift all the blame to him while trying to protect their image is heartbreaking and disgusting.” She added, “I won’t stay silent any longer. I have evidence, like recorded phone calls. The truth will come out. If they continue to twist or exaggerate the facts, I will have no choice but to take legal action.”

Kang Ji Yong began his professional football career in 2009 with the Pohang Steelers. He also played for Bucheon FC 1995, Gangwon FC, and Incheon United FC before retiring in 2022. He was known to be the cousin of Kwon Eun Bi.