dexinwin Former South Korean national short track speed skater Kim Gun-woo has died at the age of 28, his family confirmed on September 23 through his personal social media account.
The family said Kim died on September 23 and described the news as sudden. They apologized for being unable to contact friends and acquaintances individually and asked the public to offer warm condolences and prayers for him. His family has not disclosed the exact cause of death.
The news has drawn attention across South Korea’s sports community, particularly because Kim had announced his retirement from competitive skating only about three months earlier. Fans have posted messages of remembrance on his social media account following the announcement.
Born in 1998, Kim was regarded as one of South Korea’s notable male short track skaters, particularly in the middle- and long-distance events. He joined the national team in 2015 while still in high school and later established himself on the international circuit.
During the 2018-19 ISU Short Track World Cup season, Kim ranked first in the men’s 1,500-meter standings. After a period away from the international scene, he returned to competition during the 2023-24 season and quickly regained his form.
Kim won the men’s 1,000 meters at the opening World Cup event of that season before taking gold in the men’s 1,500 meters at the second and third events. His three consecutive individual World Cup victories marked one of the strongest stretches of his career.
He also represented South Korea at the 2025 Harbin Asian Winter Games. Kim competed in the preliminary round of the mixed 2,000-meter relay and helped South Korea advance to the final. The Korean team eventually won the gold medal, giving Kim another major international title.
In early 2026, Kim competed in South Korea’s selection process for the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics. He ultimately remained a reserve rather than securing a place on the Olympic team.
On June 22, Kim announced his retirement from competitive skating through social media. In his farewell message, he described short track speed skating as a major part of his life since childhood and thanked his teammates, coaches and supporters who had accompanied him throughout his career. He also said he would continue to support the sport after stepping away from competition.
His death, coming only about three months after his retirement, has left fans and members of the Korean sports community mourning the loss of an athlete who had experienced both setbacks and major achievements during his career.
Kim’s career included World Cup individual titles and an Asian Winter Games relay gold medal. Although his competitive career had already come to an end, his sudden death at 28 has brought renewed attention to the athlete’s achievements and the legacy he leaves in Korean short track speed skating.
Further information about the circumstances of his death has yet to be released by his family or relevant authorities.
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