Model Kim Seong-chan Passes Away at 35 After Two-Year Battle with Cancer

Model Kim Seong-chan (35, real name Kim Gyeong-mo), known for his appearance on 'Korea's Next Top Model,' has passed away after a two-year battle with cancer.

The funeral procession was held at 10:30 AM on the 8th at Eulji Medical Center Funeral Hall, Room 2, with interment at Eden Memorial Park.

Kim Seong-chan, who was 35 years old, passed away on the 6th. He had previously revealed his diagnosis of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, a type of blood cancer, in early 2023. At the time, he shared his treatment journey, stating, "I saw a black spot in my eye and had a brain scan, which revealed cancer. I have already completed an autologous stem cell transplant."

Despite his illness, Kim Seong-chan consistently showed a strong will to recover through social media. He posted messages like "I won't lose" and "I'm being reborn" to encourage himself. Earlier this year, he shared hopeful updates, saying, "As you can see, I'm recovering well. It's late, but let's always be happy," but ultimately could not overcome the disease, leaving his loved ones and fans in deep sadness.

The sad news was announced on the 7th by his elder brother via social media. His brother wrote, "Gyeong-mo (Seong-chan) left us after battling cancer for over two years. I am leaving this post as I don't have a way to contact Gyeong-mo's acquaintances. Please send warm comfort and kind words to my brother."

Colleagues also expressed their condolences. Noeul, a member of the group 'Rainbow,' commented, "May he rest in peace. Seong-chan, I hope you are no longer in pain and can rest comfortably." Actor Lee Jae-sung and model Ju Won-dae also paid their respects.

Born in 1990, Kim Seong-chan debuted in the '2014 S/S Unbounded Awii' fashion show in 2013. He gained recognition after appearing on the OnStyle survival program 'Korea's Next Top Model Cycle 5 Guys & Girls' in 2014. He walked the runway at Milan Fashion Week in 2019 and appeared in numerous commercials, including for LG Electronics' 'Gram.' He also ran a YouTube channel under the name 'Angry TV.'

Kim Seong-chan's elder brother announced his passing on social media, stating, "Gyeong-mo (Seong-chan) left us after battling cancer for over two years. I am leaving this post as I don't have a way to contact Gyeong-mo's acquaintances. Please send warm comfort and kind words to my brother."