Kim Jong-Suk’s death: Did South Korean model commit suicide?

South Korea’s entertainment industry has been thrown into mourning following the death of rising model and reality TV star, Kim Jong-Suk, who passed away at the age of 29. News of his death, which occurred on June 4, 2025, was made public by his family two days later.

His funeral was held at Maru Park Funeral Home in Hanam, while his burial took place at Chuncheon Rest Garden and Yanggu Memorial Park. As fans across Asia and beyond grappled with the shock, tributes poured in from colleagues, fans, and netizens who had followed his career closely.

Kim Jong-Suk gained national recognition through his appearance on tvN’s 2022 dating reality show, Skip Dating, where his charm and natural charisma made him a fan favourite. Hosted by popular Korean figures Yoo Jae-suk, Jeon So-min, and Nucksal, the show elevated Kim into mainstream stardom.

Prior to his reality TV breakthrough, he had worked as a model for major brands, most notably for DASHU, a leading men’s cosmetics brand. His popularity only continued to rise as he expanded his online presence and became a well-known face in the Korean fashion and beauty space.

However, the announcement of his death sparked a wave of online speculation, particularly rumours linking him to an alleged suicide case in Hanam.

These claims quickly circulated on social media platforms, prompting his family to issue a stern statement refuting the misinformation.

Kim’s sister, speaking on behalf of the family, pleaded for privacy and urged the public to desist from spreading unfounded rumours. In her emotional message, she revealed that the family was already under immense emotional strain while trying to organise his funeral, and the baseless speculation only added to their grief.

She firmly denied that her brother was involved in any incident resembling the narratives being peddled online. Furthermore, she disclosed plans to release an official account of events, including police reports and statements from friends who were with Kim in his final moments. Her warning to rumour mongers was clear: continued defamation would not be tolerated, and legal action would be taken if necessary.

The tragedy has not only reignited conversations around the mental health challenges often faced by public figures but also underscored the harsh reality of online culture—where misinformation can travel faster than the truth.

Kim Jong-Suk’s sudden death serves as a painful reminder of the enormous pressure faced by young celebrities navigating fame, scrutiny, and personal struggles.

His sister’s call for respectful mourning also highlights the need for compassion in times of tragedy, and the importance of verifying facts before rushing to conclusions online.

Throughout his career, Kim was known for his resilience, humility, and work ethic. From his early modelling days in 2014 to his nationwide recognition on reality TV, he embodied the aspirations of many young talents trying to make it in South Korea’s fiercely competitive entertainment industry.

His final post on social media, made just a day before his passing, portrayed him smiling—a haunting but powerful reminder of how public images can mask personal pain.

In the wake of his death, calls for structural changes in how the industry supports its artists are gaining momentum. Advocates are urging entertainment companies to prioritise mental health support, media literacy campaigns, and implement stronger safeguards for talents working under intense public pressure.

Media experts are also stressing the responsibility of content creators and users alike in ensuring that news shared online—especially in moments of crisis—is rooted in fact and delivered with empathy.

Kim Jong-Suk’s life, though short, left an indelible mark on Korean pop culture. His death has sparked a national conversation not just about the vulnerability of public figures, but also about the need for systemic changes to prevent such tragedies from recurring.

While the true cause of his death is expected to be clarified by the family’s upcoming official statement, one thing remains certain: Kim Jong-Suk’s legacy will live on through his work, his fans, and the impact he made in such a short span of time.