The death of Kim Woong-seo raises controversy following the release of a recording with his cohabitant.
On February 3rd, the news of the death of Kim Woong-seo, a health influencer and franchise entrepreneur, was reported, causing a major shock.
At that time, it was known through his accounts that he had an accidental death; however, some internet users raised suspicions related to drugs. Amidst this, SBS’s 'I Want to Know That' covered the death of Kim Woong-seo, revealing new facts.
According to the broadcast, Kim Woong-seo had an affair with Hong Joo-young (pseudonym) and lived with her even during his divorce proceedings, eventually having a son together.
The family of the deceased claimed that the late man's suicide note had been deleted, stating that “(Hong Joo-young) took a lot of depression medication and used steroids to build muscle, and that's what led to the heart attack. It changed after we found the note. In fact, I heard that it was ultimately a choice made in desperation.”
Hong Joo-young met with the production team of 'I Want to Know That' for an interview, explaining that the reason for claiming Kim Woong-seo's death was accidental was due to concerns about unfavorable rumors. She then publicized recordings that she had reported to the police regarding signs of his suicidal tendencies.
Additionally, Hong Joo-young explained the situation of their last meeting before his death, mentioning, “He asked me to grab a meal the day before he died, and that was our last meeting.”
Hong Joo-young stated, “I jokingly asked, 'Are you thinking about wanting to die again today?' and he said 'Tonight' which made me feel the seriousness of the situation.” Afterward, she sought him out to talk and persuade him not to make a bad choice.
However, in the early morning, she received a message saying "I'm leaving now, goodbye." She hurried to his home, but the password had been changed. She found him in his car and claimed there was no will.
The late Kim Woong-seo’s father mentioned that he listened to the recording files, stating there were 1,700 files. He said, “At first, I felt he was really trying to save himself, but the more I listened, the more shocked I became. It was so hard for me to listen.”
Among the recorded files released by his father, there were comments from Hong Joo-young, saying, “The fact that you’re determined to die and did this much is something to be thankful for. But that gratitude only comes after you die. Don’t you think the thoughts of wanting to die stop? So don’t die today.”
In addition, there were questions such as “Did you save the phone numbers separately?” and “If you die, what will happen?” to which he replied, "The rumors will spread naturally," and Hong Joo-young corrected, “It’s not about spreading naturally; it’s not the same from the perspective of someone arranging the funeral.”
Furthermore, they disclosed other statements including "Leave your phone unlocked," "I need to know your lawyer's number—you're in a divorce case," "Write everything down at once," and "Will you write everything in the will? That will probably be packed."
After the release of the recordings, viewers expressed confusion. Some remarked, "I understand the family's confusion," "It seems like a conversation that only aimed to prevent the worst-case scenario," "It's not a normal conversation," and "Were they just passive and pushed him away?"
In the meantime, the late Kim Woong-seo left a will stating that he intended to transfer all his assets to his minor second son before his death. This incident continues to leave a shock and questions in many people's minds, remaining at the center of the controversy.
Image source: SBS
