‘Mourning runs’ for late KAIST runner spark controversy: “Bizarre” vs. “Respect their way of mourning” [What do you think?]

[Financial News] The death of Ji-won Yoo, a graduate student at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) and a running influencer, during a marathon has sparked debate after some running enthusiasts shared their running records on social media in what they said was a tribute to him.

According to online communities and other sources on the 20th, posts called “mourning runs” or “memorial runs” in tribute to Yoo have recently appeared on social media one after another.
Yoo, who was in his 20s, took part in the half-marathon at the “2026 Seoul Race,” held in downtown Seoul on the 11th. He collapsed about 500 meters from the finish line and was taken to a hospital, but ultimately died.
Yoo was reportedly researching artificial intelligence (AI) semiconductors at KAIST’s graduate school while also making a name for himself in various marathons and working as a running influencer. News of his sudden death prompted an outpouring of tributes online.
Some runners went for runs themselves in tribute to the deceased, labeled them “memorial runs” or “mourning runs,” and posted their workout records—including distance and time—on social media.
Runner A, who said they had long supported Yoo, posted proof of a 10-kilometer run along with a message wishing the deceased well in the afterlife.
Another runner, B, also ran the distance the deceased had been unable to finish. “Ji-won Yoo, we’ll run the remaining 500 meters for you. Feeling the heart of a runner and the feelings of parents, we offer our deepest condolences,” B wrote, sharing a record of running 25.01 kilometers in 2 hours and 29 minutes.

After these posts were shared, an online debate broke out over whether it was appropriate to honor someone who died while running by running themselves.
Some expressed discomfort, saying, “With concerns about running safety growing, it’s hard to understand mourning by running again,” “It feels bizarre,” “This kind of behavior makes even other runners face criticism,” and “Has even mourning become a way to put on a show for others?”
Others said that each person’s way of mourning should be respected. They commented, “You shouldn’t question someone’s sincerity just because their way of paying tribute is unfamiliar,” and “Doesn’t it mean they ran while thinking of the deceased?”
In fact, in 2022, a running community held an event where members ran together in memory of Eliza Fletcher, who was murdered while running in the United States.
[email protected] Ahn Ga-eul Reporter