Family of Late Model Kim Jong-seok Addresses Death Rumors
On June 9, the family of the late model Kim Jong-seok, who passed away unexpectedly at the age of 29 on June 4, spoke out regarding rumors surrounding his death. His sister, identified as Kim, shared on her Instagram that Kim Jong-seok had been struggling both financially and emotionally after falling victim to an investment scam by someone he trusted. She revealed that he lost all his savings and was burdened with debt, which made his situation increasingly difficult.
Kim explained that the events leading up to his death were marked by feelings of betrayal and exhaustion, suggesting that these factors contributed to his tragic decision. She clarified the circumstances of his death, stating that reports claiming he had stormed his girlfriend's house while intoxicated and caused a disturbance with a soju bottle before jumping were false.
According to Kim, both Kim Jong-seok and his girlfriend were at separate gatherings with friends that night. Concerned when he couldn't reach her, he went to her house with a friend. Upon arrival, his girlfriend woke up, and instead of a violent altercation, they had a simple argument. During the dispute, as tensions rose, a friend of Kim Jong-seok broke a soju bottle to intervene, which led to a police call. Kim emphasized that claims of him fleeing from the police were also untrue.
In a recording shared by Kim, a police officer reportedly confirmed that Kim Jong-seok was compliant and respectful when they arrived. Additionally, a friend admitted to breaking the soju bottle, and a woman believed to be his girlfriend expressed her heartbreak over the misunderstandings surrounding the incident.
Kim condemned the media for distorting facts and disrespecting her brother's memory, stating that those who knew him felt a deep sense of injustice and grief. She urged for an end to the spread of false information and malicious comments, announcing that they had already reported some of these comments and would continue to do so.
Kim Jong-seok was known for his work as a beauty and fashion model, gaining recognition through a YouTube short for the men's cosmetics brand Dasu. He also appeared on the tvN dating reality show Skip in 2022. His final resting place is at Chuncheon Anshikwon and Yanggu Bong-an Park.
