A prominent South Korean model and TV star has died, sparking rumours over the circumstances of his passing.
Kim Jong Suk, 29, passed away on June 4 amid reports that a man in his 20s plunged from atop a high-rise apartment block in the city of Hanam, Gyeonggi province, after an altercation with his girlfriend in which a glass bottle was smashed.
Those reports triggered rumours the reality TV contestant took his own life after the bitter argument to avoid dealing with police.
His family confirmed the model had passed away on June 6 when he was laid to rest, but gave no details of his death.
However, his sister took to social media to condemn those sharing rumours that Suk had assaulted his girlfriend.
She wrote: ‘The false information spreading online is causing our family immense pain.’
In a lengthy post three days later, she disputed the rumours, instead declaring that her brother was left reeling after falling victim to an investment scam.
She said: ‘The claims that he barged into his girlfriend’s home drunk, caused a disturbance with a soju bottle, and jumped when the police arrived are not true.
‘He was under extreme financial and emotional distress due to an investment scam committed by an acquaintance.
‘Not only did he lose his entire fortune, but he also fell into debt from the fraud, making daily life difficult. He was exhausted from these circumstances and had been deep in thought for some time.’
Suk began his career as a model for various fashion brands.
As his profile grew, he took part in a series of the popular South Korean reality TV show ‘Skip Dating’.
In the days prior to his death, Suk reportedly shared regular updates on social media, but his family opted to make all of his accounts private in the wake of his passing.
