Lawyer-Broadcaster Baek Sung-moon Passes Away at 52 After Battle with Sinonasal Cancer

Baek Sung-moon, a respected lawyer and broadcaster, has passed away at the age of 52 following a courageous fight against sinonasal cancer. His wife, YTN anchor Kim Sun-young, shared her heartfelt sorrow, lamenting that a promise to revisit Paris for their 10th anniversary could not be kept.

Mr. Baek passed away on the morning of October 31st at Seoul National University Bundang Hospital. The funeral service was held on November 2nd at 7 AM at the Asan Medical Center funeral hall.

Throughout his career, Baek was a familiar face on television, appearing on shows such as JTBC's 'Incident Briefing', MBN's 'News Fighter', and EBS's 'Baek Sung-moon's Lawyers for 50 Million'. He earned public trust with his sharp legal analysis and warm, approachable explanations, earning respect in both the legal and broadcasting fields.

He married YTN anchor Kim Sun-young in 2019, and the couple was widely admired as a perfect match, known for their intelligence and warmth. Their six years of marriage were cut tragically short by his illness.

In a touching tribute posted on his social media account, Ms. Kim wrote, "My husband, who approached me with a kind and gentle smile, has entered eternal rest." She revealed that he was diagnosed with sinonasal cancer in the summer of last year and battled the disease for over a year, undergoing surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, but ultimately could not overcome the spread of the malignancy.

She recalled his unwavering kindness, stating, "Even during difficult times, he never once grimaced, and even while struggling to swallow a sip of water, he worried about my meals." She added, "He was a person who burned with the will to return to broadcasting, even after losing sight in one eye due to chemotherapy. However, our earnest prayers were ultimately not answered."

Ms. Kim shared their final moments, recounting telling him, "Kim Yeosa, I'll endure well, so don't worry and go to a place where you're no longer in pain." She also remembered him telling her in June, "Thank you for sharing the most brilliant time of my life with me." She concluded, "I couldn't keep the promise to revisit Paris, our honeymoon destination, for our 10th anniversary. This Paris photo, which he loved the most, will have to suffice. I hope you have more brilliant times in a place where you are no longer in pain."

Baek Sung-moon was a prominent lawyer-turned-broadcaster who effectively conveyed the meanings of law and justice to the public through legal and social issue analysis programs. His warm smile and sincere advice will continue to be remembered by many.

Korean netizens expressed their condolences, with comments like, 'May he rest in peace. Your warm presence will be unforgettable,' and 'I was heartbroken to hear about your difficult battle with illness... such sad news. My deepest sympathies to the family.' Many also recalled, 'We won't forget your clear explanations and warm heart shown on broadcasts.'