[theqoo] 'RUNNING INFLUENVER' YOO JIWON D**S AFTER CARDIAC ARREST 500M BEFORE MARATHON FINISH LINE... OUTPOURING CONDOLENCES

A runner in their 20s participating in a marathon held in downtown Seoul collapsed just before the finish line and tragically passed away. The running community is mourning the loss of this young runner, who had been gaining attention for balancing their research work with their passion for running.

The Seoul Race Organizing Committee announced the participant's death via a notice on its website on the 12th. The committee stated, "At approximately 8:49 a.m. on October 11, a medical emergency occurred when a participant in the Seoul Race half-marathon course collapsed at the 20.6km mark." They added, "After receiving emergency aid on-site, the participant was transported to a medical facility via ambulance for treatment but, regrettably, passed away."

According to the committee, the participant suddenly lost consciousness with about 500 meters remaining to the finish line. Although on-site medical personnel immediately performed CPR, the runner did not regain consciousness and d**d later that day after being taken to the hospital. The committee expressed its condolences, stating, "We pray for the repose of the deceased and extend our deepest sympathies to the bereaved family facing this sudden tragedy."

The deceased participant has been identified as Yoo Jiwon, a KAIST graduate student and active running influencer. Born in 2001, he was a graduate student researching AI semiconductors and a talented amateur runner. At the 2026 Seoul Marathon held on March 15, he completed the full course in 2 hours, 56 minutes, and 32 seconds, achieving a "Sub-3" finish, a milestone considered the ultimate dream for amateur runners.

Yoo had previously appeared on a running channel that same month to share glimpses of his daily life. He introduced himself by saying, "I am Yoo Jiwon, a graduate student at KAIST currently conducting research on AI semiconductors." Having started running in 2022 and begun seriously pursuing personal best times last summer, he maintained a routine of arriving at the lab at 9:00 AM and running for about two hours starting around 8:00 PM. When the host remarked, "It seems your life revolves entirely around research and running," Yoo smiled and replied, "I suppose so."

Following the news of the tragic loss, messages of condolence have been pouring in on the deceased's personal account and in the comments sections of interview videos. One netizen expressed their grief, writing, "She was a beautiful runner and a brilliant talent for the country, and surely a truly precious person to someone, so this is deeply heartbreaking. May she rest in peace."