A popular South Korean bodybuilder has died suddenly in a mysterious "accident," leaving his fans and loved ones in shock.
Kim Woong Seo, 38, was killed on February 3, his family announced, although the details of what led to the tragedy remain unclear.
Adding to the mystery, a scheduled post was published on Kim's YouTube channel - then deleted - that suggested he took his own life.
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. My feelings are infinitely heavy as I am writing this article now," he said.
"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. Funerals are not necessary and there is no one to leave behind. I hope you all have a happy and daily life. Goodbye," he said.
The note was deleted minutes later, leaving 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. And went on a long journey to heaven where we can never hold hands again," the statement said.
"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. May you rest in peace with a heart of comfort," Park's brother wrote.
South Korean culture is known for its rigorous beauty standards, and numerous 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.
