Shocking Divorce of Former Basketball Star Woo Ji Won Reawakens Domestic Abuse Controversy

In a startling turn of events, the recent announcement of former basketball star turned actor Woo Ji Won's divorce has brought renewed attention to a domestic abuse incident that occurred nearly a decade ago. Reports from OSEN on September 14 revealed that after 17 years of marriage, Woo’s split from his wife has not only shocked fans but also resurfaced troubling details from his past.

What's even more unfathomable is the revelation that the couple supposedly finalized their divorce back in 2019, yet it has only now come to light.

Woo Ji Won, once revered in the realm of Korean basketball, tied the knot in 2002 with a music graduate from Seoul National University. The couple welcomed two daughters during their marriage but faced significant challenges behind closed doors.

In 2014, Woo Ji Won found himself under public scrutiny following an arrest for domestic violence. Allegations surfaced that, while intoxicated, he became embroiled in an argument with his wife and threw a fan across the room. The incident shocked many fans and followers, leading Woo to share his perspective via social media.

"My wife kept provoking me with her words, even our eldest daughter pleaded with her to stop. I lost control and threw the fan," he claimed in his defense.

Despite his explanation, the incident left a lasting blemish on Woo's reputation, and it became clear that the domestic turmoil had taken a toll on the marriage. Although they managed to stay together for a few more years, the marriage ultimately disintegrated.

Further complicating matters, Woo Ji Won’s ex-wife disclosed unsettling experiences from their wedding day in a 2019 variety show appearance. She recounted a terrifying moment when two strangers impersonated relatives to gain access to her bridal waiting room and made unsettling comments regarding her marriage to Woo. This unnerving invasion of privacy persisted into their wedding night when fans disguised themselves as guests, creating constant stress in their relationship.

"I was terrified and thought I might die after getting married," Woo's ex-wife revealed during the show, summarizing the overwhelming pressure they faced.

Post-retirement, Woo Ji Won successfully transitioned from the basketball court to television, becoming a well-regarded sports commentator and television personality. His work paid off when he won the Best Teamwork Award at the MBC Entertainment Awards in 2022 for his role in the show "If You Don’t Fight, It’s Good."

With the divorce revelations and the resurfacing of Woo Ji Won's past troubles, public intrigue about his personal life has reignited, serving as a stark reminder of the complex issues that often lie behind seemingly perfect facades. As fans grapple with these revelations, the conversation surrounding domestic abuse continues to be a poignant one, demanding attention and awareness in the public sphere.