South Korean running influencer and KAIST graduate student Yoo Ji-won passes away after collapsing near the 2026 Seoul Race finish line.
South Korean running influencer Yoo Ji-won has tragically died after collapsing roughly 500 meters from the finish line during a half-marathon event in the capital city.
The emergency occurred on October 11 as the running influencer competed in the 2026 Seoul Race, losing consciousness near the final stages of the 21-kilometer course.
Medical staff administered emergency treatment before transporting her to a hospital, where she later passed away, according to information published by dexerto.
Seoul Race Organizers Confirm Tragic Incident
According to an official statement from the organizing committee, the emergency situation took place at approximately 8:49 am near the 20.6-kilometer mark of the race.
On-site medical staff immediately performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation before an ambulance transported Yoo Ji-won to a nearby medical facility for urgent care.
Race organizers confirmed the heartbreaking death in an October 12 public announcement, offering their most sincere condolences to the grieving family members and friends.
Academic Background and Athletic Achievements
Outside of sharing her running journey online, Yoo Ji-won was a dedicated graduate student at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, researching artificial intelligence semiconductors.
Born in 2001, the talented amateur runner had already achieved remarkable athletic milestones, including completing the full Seoul Marathon in under three hours in March.
She also secured a victory in the women's masters 10-kilometer category at the Gunsan Saemangeum Marathon in April, cementing her reputation in the local running community.
Broader Safety Concerns at Running Events
The sudden passing of Yoo Ji-won follows a similar tragedy involving another prominent content creator who participated in a major endurance running event.
In September 2024, TikTok content creator Caleb Graves tragically died after completing the Disneyland Halloween half-marathon, having collapsed immediately after crossing the finish line.
While an official cause of death for Yoo Ji-won has not yet been confirmed, event organizers stated they will thoroughly examine the incident and carry out appropriate follow-up measures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Yoo Ji-won?
Yoo Ji-won was a South Korean running influencer, amateur athlete, and graduate student at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology researching artificial intelligence semiconductors.
What happened at the 2026 Seoul Race?
During the half-marathon in Seoul, Yoo Ji-won collapsed roughly 500 meters from the finish line and later passed away in the hospital despite emergency medical intervention.
What were Yoo Ji-won's notable running achievements?
She completed the full Seoul Marathon in under three hours in March and won the women's masters 10-kilometer category at the Gunsan Saemangeum Marathon in April.
