Former national short track speed skater Kim Gun Wu has died at 28, just three months after announcing his retirement from the sport.
An obituary was posted on Kim’s personal social media account on September 23rd. His family wrote, “It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Kim Gun Wu on September 23rd.”
They added, “We understand that many may be unable to reach out individually due to this sudden news, and we ask for your understanding. We would be grateful if you could offer your warm condolences and prayers for Kim as he makes his final journey.”
Kim’s representatives have not disclosed his cause of death.
Chinese media outlet Sohu also reported the news, describing Kim as a “close friend” of Chinese short track speed skater Lin Xiaojun and noting that fans have been mourning his sudden passing.
Kim announced his retirement from short track speed skating on June 22nd.
“I have decided to step away from short track speed skating, which has been my entire life since I was young,” he wrote on social media. “Thank you for being with me during the most brilliant moments of my life. I will always cheer for short track speed skating in the future.”
Born in 1998, Kim was one of Korea’s leading male short track speed skaters. During the 2023–2024 ISU Short Track Speed Skating World Cup season, he won the men’s 1,000-meter event at the first World Cup, followed by gold medals in the men’s 1,500-meter events at the second and third World Cups. He earned three consecutive individual gold medals and was ranked No. 1 in the World Cup standings after the third event.
Kim also represented Korea at the 2025 Harbin Asian Winter Games. He competed in the preliminary round of the mixed 2,000-meter relay, helping Korea advance to the final. The Korean team went on to win gold, earning Kim an Asian Games gold medal as well.
He continued competing in hopes of reaching the 2026 Winter Olympics and was named a reserve national team member during the Olympic selection trials. However, he did not make the final Olympic team.
After years on the ice, Kim announced his retirement in June. His sudden passing came just three months later.
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