The sudden demise of renowned South Korean model and reality star Kim Jong Suk has sent shockwaves through the Korean entertainment industry and left fans around the world in mourning. The Skip Dating star passed away on June 4, 2025, at the age of 29. However, the news of his demise was officially confirmed by his family two days later. Amid all the tributes pouring in, the mystery surrounding his untimely passing and the rising speculations about suicide have triggered a new wave of conversation surrounding fame and mental health. Take a look at Kim Jong Suk’s bright career, cut short by his unexpected demise.
Who was Kim Jong Suk?
Kim Jong Suk had a promising career ahead. He started his modelling career in 2014, initially working with online fashion brands before rising to fame through beauty and fashion campaigns. The 29-year-old model was best known for representing DASHU, a popular South Korean men’s grooming brand. He was also featured frequently on the brand’s official YouTube channel through various promotional YouTube Shorts.
Kim’s first television gig was in 2022, when he participated in TVN’s dating reality show, Skip Dating, hosted by stars like Yoo Jae Suk, Jeon So Min, and Nuksal. His quiet nature, camera-friendly looks, and soft-spoken charm exuded a confidence that was hard to miss, and he soon gained a loyal fan base on the show. He was often praised for his gentle and composed ‘boyfriend material’ personality, which made him relatable.
Kim Jong Suk dies at 29 under unknown circumstances
Kim Jong Suk passed away on June 4, 2025, at the mere age of 29. The news of his passing surfaced online the next day, on June 5, 2025, when one of his close friends posted a heartbreaking tribute for the late model. The friend shared a photo of a funeral wreath along with an emotional message that read:
“I still can’t believe it… I hope you’re at peace now, free from pain.”
The news of Kim’s passing came as a shock to fans and colleagues alike, as he had been active on social media just days before, with his final post being made only three days prior to his death. On June 6, 2025, Kim’s funeral was held at Maru Park Funeral Home in Hanam, and he was laid to rest at Yanggu Memorial Park. That same day, his family released an official statement confirming the tragedy. The cause of his death remains unknown.
Suicide speculations surrounding Kim Jong Suk’s death
Not long after Kim’s death made rounds, Korean media reports stirred murmurs linking him to a tragic incident in Hanam, Gyeonggi-do, where a man in his 20s was reported to have died by suicide. The man allegedly assaulted his girlfriend and later died by jumping off a high-rise building after police intervention.
However, these are just speculations, as no official connection between Kim Jong Suk and the incident has been confirmed. Nevertheless, the timing of his death and the lack of information about his circumstances led to intense speculation and online chatter.
Kim’s sister issues a public statement
On June 6, 2025, responding to the online frenzy, Kim’s elder sister issued a public statement, asking netizens to stop spreading misinformation. Initially, the family chose to stay silent, but the overwhelming wave of baseless claims pushed them to speak out. She wrote:
“We are in the middle of funeral preparations, overwhelmed and heartbroken. But I’m seeing so many baseless and false claims spreading across online communities. At first, we chose not to respond, hoping Jong Suk could rest in peace. But now, it has gone too far. I’ve requested the removal of these articles. We will soon release a summary of the police recording and a statement from the friend who was with him at the time. The false information spreading online is causing our family immense pain.”
Though his life was tragically cut short, Kim Jong Suk leaves behind a legacy of charm, talent, and authenticity. Rest in peace, Kim Jong Suk!
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