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A return ahead of Sechs Kies’ 30th anniversary
Ko Ji-yong, a former member of the pioneering K-pop group Sechs Kies, is preparing for his first official return to the entertainment industry since the group disbanded in 2000.
Ko said in an interview in Seoul on the 5th that he will appear with former bandmates Jang Su-won and Lee Jai-jin in a year-end dinner show titled “Sechs Kies: The Stories Left Untold.” The event is scheduled for the 15th and 16th of next month at the Inspire Tower Ballroom in Incheon.
Although Ko previously appeared on a Korean reality show about parenting, he has not formally resumed an entertainment career since leaving the group. He said the approach of Sechs Kies’ 30th anniversary next year led him to reconsider his future and that he is willing to return to show business.
Why he stayed out of the 2016 reunion
Ko also addressed his absence when Sechs Kies reunited in 2016 following an appearance on MBC’s popular nostalgia-focused variety show “Infinite Challenge.” He said he was the only member with a family at the time and found it difficult to balance group activities with his work in financial and real estate consulting.
“It wasn’t that I didn’t want to participate when the group reunited,” Ko said, adding that he wanted to correct that misunderstanding.
The upcoming dinner show is not an official full-group reunion. Ko said he initially discussed holding a fan meeting with Lee before the event expanded when Jang joined. The other Sechs Kies members were not separately asked to participate.
Music and conversations with fans
The three performers plan to sing Sechs Kies hits, though the set list is still being decided. Ko said he has had concerns about his voice since contracting COVID-19 and plans to practice intensively. Looking ahead, he said that even if a new album is not possible, he hopes to hold a concert next year.
Ko acknowledged that some fans felt disappointed by his long absence from group activities. He said he wanted to create an opportunity to speak with them, share stories left untold and answer their questions.
Tickets priced at 600,000 won per person have drawn criticism for their cost. Organizers said the price includes lodging, transportation and other expenses in addition to the performance.
Health and family matters
Ko also responded to past speculation about his health after a significant weight loss. He said personal stress and drinking led to cirrhosis and that his weight fell to 63 kilograms, about 139 pounds. He said he now weighs 72 kilograms, about 159 pounds, and continues to receive medical care.
In July, Ko disclosed on social media that he had divorced two years earlier. He said he is involved in a legal dispute over visitation with his son but speaks with the child frequently. As he prepares to return to public life, Ko said he plans to move forward by dealing with challenges as they arise.
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