Former National Short-Track Speed Skater Kim Gun-woo Dies Three Months After Retirement

[Financial News] Kim Gun-woo, 28, a former member of South Korea's national short-track speed skating team, has died. News of his death came about three months after he announced his retirement from active competition in June.
Kim Gun-woo's representatives announced his death through his social media account on the 23rd. They said, "We ask for your understanding that we have been unable to contact everyone individually as we are overwhelmed by the sudden tragic news," adding, "We would be grateful if you could offer warm comfort and pray for the deceased as he makes his final journey." The exact cause of death was not disclosed.

Kim Gun-woo announced his retirement from active competition through social media on June 22. At the time, he said, "I am now trying to let go of short-track speed skating, which has been my entire life since I was young," adding, "Thank you for sharing the brightest moments of my life with me. I will always support the future of short-track speed skating."
Born in 1998, Kim Gun-woo was also known by his former name, Kim Han-ul. He gained recognition while competing against senior athletes at the national team trials as a high school student. During the 2018-2019 season, he ranked first in the 1,500-meter event and second overall in the International Skating Union (ISU) World Cup.
After returning from a lengthy hiatus in the 2023-2024 season, he won a series of gold medals at international competitions. He won the men's 1,000 meters at the first ISU Short Track World Cup event, then took first place in the men's 1,500 meters at the second and third events. As a result, he won individual-event gold medals at three consecutive competitions. He also retained the top spot in the World Cup standings at the third event.
He also represented South Korea at the 2025 Harbin Asian Winter Games. Kim Gun-woo competed in the preliminary round of the mixed 2,000-meter relay, helping South Korea reach the final. The national team went on to win the final, earning him a gold medal.
However, he remained an alternate on the national team at the trials for the 2026 Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo Winter Olympic Games and failed to qualify for the Olympics. He subsequently announced in June that he would end his athletic career.
Meanwhile, Chinese media outlet Sohu also reported Kim Gun-woo's death that day. Sohu described him as a close friend of Lin Xiaojun, who competes for China's national team.

※ If you or someone around you is experiencing difficult-to-discuss concerns, such as depression, you can receive 24-hour professional counseling by calling the suicide prevention hotline at 109.[email protected] Han Seung-gon Reporter