Reports Of Korean Short Track Speed Skater Kim Geon Woo Death Wrong, Kim Geon Woo Clarifies on His Account

Former short track national team member Kim Geon Woo has personally denied reports of his death.

UPDATED: see notice below!

On September 23, Kim Geon Woo posted a lengthy statement clarifying that the reports of his death were groundless, saying, “I sincerely apologize for the confusion and concern this has caused so many people. The post in question was not something I wrote or posted myself — it was uploaded without my knowledge or consent.”

Earlier that day, an obituary-style post claiming Kim Geon Woo had passed away drew widespread attention. As news of his death spread, a wave of mourning followed from fans, but confusion erupted after acquaintances and figures in the skating community reported that he was, in fact, alive.

Kim Geon Woo explained, “At the time the post was uploaded, I was unable to normally access the account in question,” adding, “I wasn’t even aware the post had gone up until I found out through people around me and checked the posts myself, belatedly.”

He continued, “I’m currently looking into why the account became inaccessible and how the post came to be uploaded. I’ll provide another update once the facts are clearly confirmed. I ask for everyone’s understanding so that speculation doesn’t continue to spread.”

Born in 1998, Kim Geon Woo — who competed under the name Kim Han Ul before a legal name change — first earned a spot on Korea’s national short track team as a high schooler, and went on to become one of the faces of Korean short track after ranking No. 1 in the ISU World Cup 1500m and No. 2 overall during the 2018-2019 season.

Kim Geon Woo also topped the men’s 1000m at the first ISU World Cup event and the men’s 1500m at the second and third events during the 2023-2024 season, and won gold as a member of the mixed 2000m relay team at the 2025 Harbin Winter Asian Games.

He announced his retirement from competition this past June, saying, “I’ve decided to let go of short track, which has been my entire life since I was young.”

Kim Geon Woo, who represented Korea as one of its top short track speed skaters, has passed away at the age of 28, leaving fans and the skating community in shock. The news came just three months after he announced his retirement from the sport.

On September 23, a heartbreaking notice was shared through Kim Geon Woo’s account. Those close to him wrote, “Please understand with a generous heart that we are unable to respond to everyone individually due to this sudden and devastating news,” adding, “We would be grateful if you could send warm condolences and prayers for his eternal rest as he makes his final journey.” His cause of death has not been disclosed.

Kim Geon Woo had announced his retirement on June 22, sharing, “I’ve decided to let go of short track, which has been my entire life since I was young,” and “Thank you for being with me during the brightest moments of my life. I’ll always support the future of short track,” in a heartfelt farewell message at the time.

Born in 1998, Kim Geon Woo wore the national team mark and was a core member of Korea’s men’s short track team, showcasing dominant skill on the ice. He rose to No. 1 in the ISU World Cup 1500m rankings during the 2018-2019 season, cementing his presence in the sport, and after a comeback, led the team through a standout stretch by sweeping individual gold medals at World Cup events in the 2023-2024 season.

At the 2025 Harbin Winter Asian Games, he competed in the mixed 2000m relay, helping the national team secure a gold medal. However, due to the aftermath of an injury, he remained a reserve member during the selection trials for the 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics and never got to step onto the Olympic stage he had dreamed of, ultimately deciding to leave the ice for good. The skating community and fans are expressing deep condolences for him following his sudden passing.

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JM staff note: Earlier today, JazmineMedia published an article reporting the death of former short track speed skating national team member Kim Geon Woo, based on a bereavement notice that was shared through his own social media account. We have since learned that this report was inaccurate — Kim Geon Woo is alive, and has personally confirmed that the post in question was not written or authorized by him.