Bayern Munich star Kim Min Jae announces divorce after 4 years of marriage

South Korean football player Kim Min Jae and his wife. Photo from Instagram

According to Allkpop, Kim’s agency, Orange Ball, released a statement on Oct. 21, saying: "After careful consideration, Kim Min Jae has decided to end his marriage and has amicably completed the divorce process." The statement added: "The two made the decision to divorce due to differences in personality and will continue to support each other as they go their separate ways. As parents, they will prioritize their child and do their utmost."

The agency also addressed fans, expressing regret for the news and reassuring them of Kim’s dedication to his career: "We apologize for delivering unfortunate news to the fans who have supported and loved Kim Min Jae. As always, he remains committed to giving his best on the field."

Kim, 28, married his wife in 2020, and the couple has one daughter.

Kim Min Jae in a match for the German's football giant Bayern Munich. Photo from Instagram

German media outlets responded to the announcement, pointing out the unusual move by Kim’s agency to publicly apologize to fans for the divorce. Korea JoongAng Daily cited German newspaper Bild, which noted, "At the end of the press release, things get strange: the agency actually apologized to Kim's fans for the divorce!"

The South Korean news outlet further explained that in Europe, athletes rarely make formal statements about personal matters, preferring to address such topics directly on their social media accounts.

However, in South Korea, where fans are deeply invested in celebrities’ personal lives, Kim’s decision to release an official statement aligns with cultural expectations. Korean agencies often take a proactive role in managing public perception and addressing personal issues, aiming to maintain transparency and avoid potential backlash.