Yoo Ji-won was just 25 years old and had devoted much of her life to running. However, a competition that was supposed to be another celebration of her passion ended in tragedy.
On October 11, the South Korean influencer was taking part in the Seoul Race 2026 half marathon in South Korea. She had already run 20,6 kilometers and had just 500 meters left to reach the finish line when she suddenly collapsed.
Emergency teams tried to resuscitate her and took her to a hospital, but they were unable to save her life.
Her death was especially shocking because she was an experienced runner. Months earlier, she had completed a 42-kilometer marathon in under three hours and had also won competitions.
She was also pursuing a postgraduate degree and researching technology for artificial intelligence.
Her friend Bummy, who also took part in the race, said he saw a crowd gathered near the finish line, not imagining that it was her. He then ran to the hospital, hoping to say goodbye.
“If I’ve come to love running so much, it’s thanks to you, Jiwon”, he wrote in his tribute.
The cause of her death has not yet been officially confirmed.