November 7, model Kim Sung Chan passed away on November 6 after a two-year battle with non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a type of blood cancer. His older brother stated, “My younger brother passed away after more than two years of fighting cancer. Please offer warm words of comfort for him.”
Throughout his illness, Kim regularly updated fans on social media, showing determination despite undergoing harsh chemotherapy. He often wrote messages such as, “I won’t give up” and “I’m being reborn.” Earlier this year, he reassured fans: “As you can see, I’m recovering well. It’s a bit late, but let’s always be happy.” These words now resonate deeply with those who knew him.
The funeral will be held at Seoul Medical Center Funeral Hall (Room 2), with the procession scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on November 8.
Kim Sung Chan debuted in 2013 at the 2014 S/S Unbounded AWE Fashion Show and quickly gained attention as a rising model, appearing annually at Seoul Fashion Week. In 2014, he gained nationwide recognition through OnStyle’s Korea’s Next Top Model 5 Guys & Girls, impressing judges, including top models Lee Hye Jung and Kim Won Jung, with his confident and cheerful personality.
In 2019, he walked for Youser 2020 S/S and made his debut at Milan Fashion Week, garnering significant attention. He also appeared in high-profile commercials for brands including beer and laptops, and ran his own YouTube channel, Sungnan TV.
Following the news of his passing, colleagues and celebrities expressed condolences. Former Rainbow member No Eul wrote, “Sung Chan, I hope you’re no longer in pain and can rest peacefully,” while model Joo Won Dae and actor Lee Jae Sung also shared messages of grief: “May he rest in peace.”
