A tragic and complex story has unfolded in Mangwol-dong, Hanam City, Gyeonggi Province, where a 20-year-old man died after a police intervention at an officetel on the morning of June 4, 2025. The incident has stirred social shock and controversy, not only because of the circumstances surrounding the death but also due to rampant rumors on social media identifying the deceased as the well-known model Kim Jong-seok, a claim that remains unconfirmed by authorities and family.
At approximately 9:50 a.m. on June 4, police received a 112 emergency call reporting that an acquaintance was causing a disturbance at the officetel. Upon arrival, officers found a young man in his twenties exhibiting aggressive behavior, including throwing a soju bottle and shouting, alongside his girlfriend and other acquaintances. The police acted to separate the man from the victim and, judging the violent situation to have ended, advised the man to go home. He left the scene around 9:50 a.m.
Tragically, only 20 minutes later, at 10:10 a.m., the same man jumped from the rooftop of the building, resulting in his death. Police initially considered investigating special assault charges but are expected to close the case due to the death of the individual. This rapid sequence of events has raised questions about the adequacy of police response and preventive measures in such volatile situations.
In the aftermath, social media and online communities quickly began circulating rumors that the deceased was Kim Jong-seok, a model known for his work with the men's beauty brand DASHU. Memorial posts and comments from acquaintances on Instagram fueled this speculation, leading to widespread public attention. However, neither the police nor the bereaved family have officially confirmed the identity of the deceased as Kim Jong-seok.
Kim Jong-seok's older sister, speaking on behalf of the family via an Instagram account believed to be his, publicly denounced the rumors as false information causing "secondary harm". She warned that malicious posts spreading unverified claims would be reported to the cyber investigation unit. Furthermore, she disclosed that the family is securing recordings from acquaintances and would release them if necessary to clarify the truth. She appealed to the public to refrain from spreading unsubstantiated rumors and to respect the family's grief.
The social media landscape surrounding the incident has been fraught with unconfirmed narratives, including claims that the man witnessed his girlfriend's infidelity and reacted violently, or that he threatened others with a soju bottle. These assertions remain unverified and are considered rumors by authorities and the family. The sister emphasized that some messages circulating, including the last texts received by the deceased before his passing, have been distorted and exaggerated, further complicating the public's understanding of the tragedy.
Police have explained that the violent episode was deemed over at the time of their intervention and that the man did not meet the legal criteria for arrest or detention. They stated, "The violent situation was concluded, and the conditions for arresting on the spot were not met," adding that the recommendation for the man to return home was consistent with legal protocols. Nevertheless, the fact that the man took his own life shortly after police left has prompted criticism about whether the response was sufficient, echoing concerns from previous cases such as a 2021 dating violence incident in Busan where police action failed to prevent a subsequent violent act.
The incident has reignited debates on the need to review and strengthen police manuals and intervention strategies in domestic and interpersonal violence cases to better identify and manage risks.
Following the event, the Instagram account believed to belong to Kim Jong-seok became a virtual memorial, attracting hundreds of condolence comments from fans and acquaintances. However, the account has since been switched to private, and some posts appear to have been deleted. The family is reportedly considering legal action against those sharing malicious screenshots and spreading false information online, underscoring the emotional toll on the bereaved.
Who was Kim Jong-seok? Born on June 20, 1995, in Gangwon-do, South Korea, Kim Jong-seok was 30 years old by Korean age standards at the time of his death. He began his career in 2014 as a shopping mall model and gained prominence as a model for DASHU, a men's cosmetic brand. Standing 176 cm tall and weighing 67 kg, he was known for his bright and friendly image, actively engaging with followers through social media platforms. He also appeared on the tvN entertainment show "Skip" and shared aspects of his daily life and work through his personal YouTube channel, where fans appreciated his approachable persona.
Kim Jong-seok's funeral took place on June 6, 2025, at Chuncheon Angongwon Yangpyeong Angongwon, with many friends and fans mourning his sudden passing. His death has left a void in the modeling and beauty communities, where he had built a respected presence.
As this tragic story continues to develop, it serves as a stark reminder of the complexities surrounding mental health, police intervention, and the impact of social media in modern society. The family's plea for truth and respect amidst swirling rumors highlights the human cost behind sensational headlines, urging caution and empathy in public discourse.
