"Happy birthday..." A short message from a sister to her late brother left a painful aftertaste
It has been two weeks since his death, and many still find it hard to believe the absence of the late Kim Jong-seok. The birthday he should have celebrated as a model and broadcaster was marked by a brief comment from his family, who have not forgotten him, quietly conveying deep sadness and lingering feelings.
On the 20th, Kim Jong-seok's real sister left a single line message saying "Happy birthday" on her social media. The accompanying photo was a screenshot of Kim Jong-seok's KakaoTalk profile, with a cake emoji quietly floating over a serene background of the sea. This was a calm yet poignant scene that gently, yet intensely, communicated that it was the late Kim's birthday.
Though the words were brief, the conveyed emotions were profound. The longing and love of a sister for a brother who is no longer in this world were clearly encapsulated in her greeting, touching the hearts of many. Fans who remembered Kim Jong-seok's bright and kind personality during his lifetime also expressed their condolences through comments and messages.
Kim Jong-seok unexpectedly passed away on June 4 at the age of 29. He made his mark in the fashion industry as a model for the men's beauty brand "Dashu" and gained public recognition through his appearance on the tvN dating reality show "Skip." He had been actively communicating with fans through social media right up until his death, making the news of his passing even more shocking.
However, alongside the unfortunate news, the internet was flooded with indiscriminate rumors and speculation surrounding the deceased. Some spread false information, damaging the late Kim's reputation, and his family's suffering reached its peak. Consequently, the bereaved family broke their silence, indicating legal action and taking a firm stance by announcing the release of recordings.
In particular, the late Kim's sister revealed, "Kim Jong-seok suffered severe psychological distress after being scammed by someone he trusted during his lifetime, losing all his assets," informing the public of the real circumstances contrasting with the rumors. She stated, "There was no disturbance at the scene, and the police's arrival was due to a misunderstanding," while strongly pleading, "Please stop all further speculation and malicious comments."
And now, two weeks later, the sister quietly remembered her brother's birthday again. There were no flashy words or lengthy tributes. Just three words, "Happy birthday," conveyed the fondness of the surviving family members perfectly.
[OSEN]