Eli Refutes Child Support Controversy Following Go Ji-yong: “Am I a Piece of Trash?”
Former U-KISS member Eli Refutes has publicly addressed the controversy surrounding his 850,000 won monthly Eli child support payments. Following renewed attention on celebrity child support issues after the Go Ji-yong case, Eli explained how the amount was determined and expressed frustration over online criticism. He revealed he previously sent up to 10 million won monthly.
Official Announcement
On October 5, 2026, Eli Kim, a former member of the boy group U-KISS, posted a lengthy statement on his personal social media account. The statement directly addressed the Eli child support controversy that had been circulating online. He wrote the message in English.
Eli explained that he had seen numerous comments calling him “a piece of trash” and accusing him of being stingy with child support. He stated that while he normally would not discuss such private matters publicly, he felt compelled to explain how the 850,000 won (approximately $633 USD) monthly amount was established. This marked his first public statement on the matter in approximately four months since his remarriage.
Table of Contents
Background of the Controversy
Eli married model and broadcaster Ji Yeon-soo in 2014. The couple welcomed a son in 2016 and held a formal wedding ceremony in 2017. They divorced in 2020 after six years of marriage. Their son has remained in Ji Yeon-soo’s care.
In June 2026, Ji Yeon-soo publicly stated that she receives 850,000 won per month in child support from Eli. She noted that the minimum child support amount in South Korea is 640,000 won and described the payment as insufficient given rising living costs. She also revealed she had been working part-time at a beef soup restaurant to cover expenses.
Eli’s Response
In his social media statement, Eli provided a detailed account of how the child support arrangement was handled. He explained that during divorce proceedings, he and Ji Yeon-soo discussed how to manage their son’s expenses. Rather than paying a fixed monthly amount, Eli said he wanted to send money whenever their son needed something specific.
He stated that for a period of three to four months, he sent between $6,000 and $8,000 (approximately 8 million to 10 million won) each month. He claimed he sent a total of 44,378,175 won (around $33,000 USD) between November 2020 and May 2022. Eli acknowledged that this money was not technically classified as official “child support,” but explained it was intended to cover his son’s living expenses.
The Broadcast That Hurt
Eli revealed he was deeply hurt when Ji Yeon-soo appeared on the SBS Plus variety show “Kang Ho Dong’s Bapsim” in 2021 and stated publicly that he was not paying child support. He said the pain was compounded when someone he had previously worked with agreed with the criticism against him. Eli described feeling as though his character and dignity as a man were being attacked.
He also explained the financial circumstances he faced during that period. Eli said he was working for minimum wage during the COVID-19 pandemic and that a significant portion of the money he sent came from his limited savings. He stated he reached a point where he worried about going into debt.
Key Points from Eli’s Statement
- Child Support Amount: 850,000 won per month (approximately $633 USD)
- Previous Payments: $6,000–$8,000 monthly for three to four months
- Total Claimed Support: 44,378,175 won (approx. $33,000 USD) from Nov 2020 to May 2022
- Financial Situation: Minimum wage during COVID-19 pandemic
- Current Status: Remarried; continues to give son spending money when they meet
- Son’s Name: Min Soo (mentioned in Eli’s statement)
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 2014 | Eli and Ji Yeon-soo register marriage |
| 2016 | Son Min Soo born |
| 2017 | Formal wedding ceremony |
| 2020 | Divorce finalized |
| 2021 | Ji Yeon-soo appears on “Kang Ho Dong’s Bapsim” |
| June 2026 | Ji Yeon-soo reveals 850,000 won child support amount |
| October 5, 2026 | Eli posts public statement responding to controversy |
Connection to Go Ji-yong Case
The Eli child support controversy has drawn renewed attention in the context of the Go Ji-yong case. Go Ji-yong, a former member of Sechs Kies, has been involved in a legal dispute with his ex-wife Heo Yang-im over unpaid child support and visitation rights. Reports claim Go Ji-yong agreed to pay 1.89 million won monthly but only made payments in August and September 2026, leaving approximately 40 million won unpaid. Go Ji-yong’s side has cited health issues and financial difficulties as reasons for the delay, stating he has been faithfully paying since August 2026.
The two cases have sparked broader public discussion about celebrity child support obligations in South Korea. Both situations highlight the complex emotional and financial challenges that arise after high-profile divorces.
Why It Matters
The Eli child support controversy matters because it touches on important social issues in South Korea. Child support enforcement and post-divorce parenting arrangements are sensitive topics that affect many families. When celebrities are involved, public scrutiny intensifies, and the cases can influence public perception and even policy discussions.
For K-pop fans, this situation also raises questions about how former idols navigate life after their groups disband or after they leave the industry. Eli’s decision to speak publicly reflects the pressure celebrities face when private matters become public debates. His statement emphasizes that every story has two sides and that online criticism can be deeply hurtful.
What’s Next?
As of October 6, 2026, Ji Yeon-soo has not issued a public response to Eli’s statement. It remains unclear whether the former couple will pursue further legal action or if the matter will remain in the public discourse.
Eli has continued to maintain that his son is more important to him than winning any online argument. He expressed hope that he would never have to address such matters publicly again.
Fans and observers will be watching to see if this controversy affects Eli’s future activities or if the Go Ji-yong case proceeds further in the courts.
FAQ
1. What is the Eli child support controversy?
It refers to the public dispute over the 850,000 won monthly child support Eli pays to his ex-wife Ji Yeon-soo. Eli posted a statement on October 5, 2026, explaining how the amount was determined and refuting claims that he neglects his son.
2. How much did Eli previously pay in child support?
Eli stated he sent between $6,000 and $8,000 (approximately 8 to 10 million won) per month for three to four months after his divorce. He claimed a total of 44,378,175 won was sent between November 2020 and May 2022.
3. What is the Go Ji-yong child support case?
Go Ji-yong, a former Sechs Kies member, is in a legal dispute with ex-wife Heo Yang-im over unpaid child support and visitation rights. Reports claim approximately 40 million won in child support remains unpaid.
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