Model Kim Jong-seok Passes Away at 29, Family Urges Respect Amid Rumors

Model Kim Jong-seok has tragically passed away at the age of 29. His death, which occurred on June 4, has sparked various rumors, prompting his family to request privacy and respect during this difficult time. The funeral service was held on June 6 at 8 AM at the Maru Park Funeral Home in Hanam, with the burial taking place at Chuncheon Anshikwon and Yanggu Memorial Park. The exact cause of death has not been disclosed.
Tributes from friends have surfaced online, with one expressing deep sorrow, stating, "When I heard the news that you left us, my heart shattered. Though you are no longer with us, you were a great gift to this world, and I will cherish you forever." Another friend shared their condolences, wishing him peace without pain in the afterlife.
Following his passing, rumors began circulating online that Kim was involved in a tragic incident in which a young man in his twenties fell from a rooftop after a confrontation with his girlfriend, leading to speculation that it was Kim Jong-seok.
In response to the rumors, Kim's sister took to Instagram on June 6, stating, "We were overwhelmed with grief from the sudden news and have been struggling to arrange the funeral. The family is suffering due to the false information circulating about Jong-seok online." She added that they had refrained from responding earlier in hopes that he had gone to a better place, expressing disbelief that such unfounded claims could spread.
She promised to release details soon, including police recordings and statements from friends, urging people to stop spreading defamatory content and to delete any harmful posts. She emphasized the need to allow the family to grieve peacefully and hinted at potential legal action against malicious posts.
Kim Jong-seok was known for his work as a beauty and fashion model, gaining recognition through YouTube shorts for the men's cosmetics brand Dasu. He also appeared on the 2022 tvN dating reality show Skip (스킵).