Former football player Kang Ji-yong, who played in the K League, passed away at the age of 37.
The news of Kang Ji-yong's death was reported on the 23rd. Former football player Ku Bon-sang also conveyed the obituary via social media. Kang Ji-yong closed his eyes on the 22nd, and his mortuary was set up at the special funeral hall No. 2 of Soonchunhyang University Hospital in Cheonan. The funeral will be held on the 25th, with the burial site being Cheonan Memorial Park.
Born in 1989, Kang Ji-yong entered the professional stage in 2009 by being selected as the 5th pick of Pohang Steelers in the K League draft. He has experience with the under-20 national team and played as a center-back for teams including Busan I'Park, Bucheon FC 1995, Gangwon FC, and Incheon United.
In particular, Kang Ji-yong had his prime years while playing as a key resource for Bucheon from 2014 to 2016. In 2015, he also led the team as the captain.
Later, Kang Ji-yong transferred to Gangwon in 2017 and played 25 games in K League 1, moving to Incheon a year later. He hung up his boots after the 2022 season. His overall record across all competitions, including K League 1, K League 2, and the League Cup, is 137 matches, 7 goals, and 2 assists.
On the same day, the Bucheon club mourned via social media, saying, "Kang Ji-yong, who was with us from 2014 to 2016 and served as the captain in 2016, has sadly left us. We extend our deepest condolences to the deceased."
Gangwon also stated, "We mourn the late Kang Ji-yong. Our deepest condolences and sympathies are expressed." Pohang noted, "The late Kang Ji-yong, who debuted in Pohang in 2009 and was with us for three seasons, has left us. We express our deep condolences and pray for the repose of his soul."
[Photo] Social media of Bucheon FC 1995, Gangwon FC.
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