South Korean model and reality television personality Kim Jong-suk has died at the age of 29. His passing, which occurred earlier this week on June 4, has shocked fans and the entertainment industry, particularly as he had been active on social media just a day prior. The cause of death has not been publicly disclosed.
A funeral for Kim Jong-suk was held on the morning of June 6 in Hanam-si, Gyeonggi Province.
Family Addresses Online Speculation
Following the news of his sudden death, online speculation and “absurd” rumours began to circulate about his personal life. Kim Jong-suk’s older sister, identified only as ‘A’, posted on social media to address these claims.
“The bereaved families are suffering a lot because Jong-seok is being misrepresented in the community with content that is different from the truth,” she wrote. “I didn’t refute Jong-seok because I wanted him to go to a good place, and I didn’t know that these absurd contents would be misrepresented and spread. It’s not true.”
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She added that she would soon “organize and release the last story that the other person told me about the friend’s transcript that was with the police transcript.” She also warned that “malicious postings will be reported through the cyber investigation team.” Kim Jong-suk’s social media account has since been made private at the request of his grieving family.
A Career in Fashion and Reality TV
Kim Jong-suk gained recognition as a model, notably for the men’s cosmetic brand DASHU, and became known through platforms like YouTube Shorts. In 2022, he appeared on the tvN dating reality program Skip Dating, hosted by Yoo Jae-suk, Jeon So-min, and Nuksal.
An acquaintance paid tribute to Kim Jong-suk on social media, writing, “My bro. My heart shattered into pieces when I was informed that you were gone. I still can’t believe that I’ll never be able to see your smiling face again for all the days I live. You may no longer be with us, but please know that you were a great gift to this world, and I will always cherish you close in my heart. I’ll miss you. I’ll always love you.”
Fans have also been leaving messages of condolence on his social media posts, expressing disbelief and wishing him peace. His burial site has been reported as Chuncheon Ansikwon and Yanggu Bong-an Park.
