Popular South Korean bodybuilder Kim Woong Seo has died suddenly in mysterious circumstances, leaving his fans in shock.
38-year-old Kim died on February 3, his family announced.
The statement suggested Kim was killed during an “accident.”
However, the details of what led to the tragedy remain unclear.
No cause of death has been revealed and all details are being withheld from the public.
Adding to the mystery, a scheduled post was published on Kim’s YouTube channel – then deleted – after he died.
The written statement, published one day after Kim died, led fans to believe that he took his own life.
However, the rumors have not been confirmed.
In the statement, reported by Maeil Business Newspaper, Kim alluded to being defrauded by a “sex offender scammer.”
“I probably am not a person in this world at the time this post is released,” he said.
“My feelings are infinitely heavy as I am writing this article now.
“While standing, I feel all kinds of joy, anger, sorrow, and pleasure.
“I will smile and shake at the end because it was a pretty good life,” he said.
“Funerals are not necessary and there is no one to leave behind.
“I hope you all have a happy and daily life. Goodbye.”
The note was deleted minutes later, however, and the statement has not been verified as authentic.
It has left Kim’s large social media following with more questions.
The health and fitness influencer had 122,000 YouTube subscribers and over 40,000 Instagram followers.
Kim’s funeral was held on February 5 at Gimhae Citizen’s Funeral Hall in South Korea.
A relative, Kim Ji Hyun, shared a statement about the tragic “accident.”
“Kim Woong-Seo, who was always full of energy, passed away due to an accident,” the statement said.
“And went on a long journey to heaven where we can never hold hands again.
“Our brother, who seemed strong, but was more delicate than anyone else.”
“I would appreciate it if you could remember him deeply in your hearts for a long time so that his final journey is not lonely.”
The heartbreaking incident comes weeks after another young bodybuilder, 35-year-old Park Seung-hyun, died from undisclosed health issues in January.
Park had admitted to using anabolic steroids in the past, and he became an advocate against the drugs before his untimely death.
“On January 5, 2025, 15:51 my brother Seung Hyun went to heaven due to health reasons,” the post said.
“The parents’ feelings are not accepted, we don’t take advice,” Park’s brother wrote.
“May you rest in peace with a heart of comfort.”
South Korean culture is known for its rigorous beauty standards.
Numerous Korean celebrities have been driven to suicide by extreme pressure to perform.
In Kim’s case, it appears there may have been a legal issue that played a role in his tragic death.
