South Korean Model and TV Star Kim Jong Suk Dies at 29 Amid Rumors and Family Outcry
Beloved South Korean model and reality TV personality Kim Jong Suk, 29, tragically passed away on June 4, sparking widespread speculation and misinformation surrounding the circumstances of his death.
Early media reports suggested that a man in his 20s had jumped from a high-rise apartment in Hanam, Gyeonggi Province, following a heated altercation with his girlfriend involving a broken glass bottle. This quickly led to rumors that Suk had taken his own life to avoid police involvement.
On June 6, his family confirmed his passing during his funeral but chose not to release specific details. Days later, Suk’s sister broke her silence on social media, strongly denying claims that he had assaulted his girlfriend. She revealed that the model had been driven to emotional and financial despair after falling victim to an investment scam by someone he trusted, which left him penniless and in debt.
She also clarified the events leading up to his death: Suk and his girlfriend had been drinking separately with friends, and he had only gone to see her out of concern. A soju bottle had been accidentally broken by one of the friends in an attempt to calm the situation, which resulted in a call to the police. Contrary to rumors, there was no assault, and Suk had not attempted to flee.
Kim Jong Suk rose to fame through his work as a model and his appearance on the popular dating reality show “Skip Dating.” In the days before his death, he remained active on social media, though his accounts were made private shortly afterward.
His sister announced that the family would be releasing messages and recordings to clear his name and pursue legal action against those spreading false narratives.