Model and television personality Kim Sung Chan has passed away at the age of 35 after a two-year battle with cancer. Having built a steady career in both fashion and broadcasting, Kim’s sudden death has left colleagues and fans in deep sorrow.
According to reports from the entertainment industry on November 7, Kim was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma several years ago and had been undergoing treatment. Despite periods of remission, the cancer recurred, and he was ultimately unable to recover.
His older brother shared the news through social media the day before, writing, “My brother Sung Chan, who had been battling illness for over two years, has finally left us. We would be grateful if you could offer your warm thoughts and prayers for him.”
Kim’s funeral is being held at Seoul Medical Center Funeral Hall Room 2, with the procession scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on November 8.
From ‘Korea’s Next Top Model’ to Rising Star in Fashion
Kim Sung Chan made his official debut in the 2014 S/S Unbounded AWE collection in 2013. He quickly became a familiar face on the Seoul Fashion Week runway, earning recognition for both his talent and striking visuals. His name first gained public attention through the OnStyle audition program 'Korea’s Next Top Model Season 5' (2014).
During the show, Kim stood out among male contestants with his distinctive features and strong runway presence, earning praise from judges for his solid stage charisma. Following the show, he received numerous offers from advertisers and fashion magazines, later becoming the face of various lookbooks and brand campaigns.
Expanding Beyond Korea — A Korean Model on the Milan Runway
Kim didn’t limit his career to domestic stages. In 2019, he walked the runway at Milan Fashion Week for the 2020 S/S YOUSER collection, marking one of his first appearances on a major European runway as a Korean male model.
He later participated as a fitting model in London and Paris, signing short-term contracts with overseas modeling agencies. Industry insiders often described him as a model known for his “understated yet commanding presence,” rather than flashy performances.
In addition to fashion modeling, Kim also appeared in commercials for beer, laptops, and sports brands. From 2020 onward, he ran a YouTube channel called “SungnantaeRebi”, where he shared lifestyle, fashion, and beauty content. His vlog-style videos offered an honest glimpse into the realities behind the glamorous world of modeling, earning warm responses from viewers.
Understanding Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
According to the National Cancer Information Center, non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a disease in which lymphocytes — a type of blood cell — proliferate abnormally, forming tumors. It typically arises in lymph nodes but can also develop in other organs and tissues.
Unlike Hodgkin’s lymphoma, which usually progresses gradually in specific lymph nodes, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma can simultaneously affect multiple organs without a clear pattern. Diagnosis generally requires pathological tissue testing, involving biopsies of enlarged lymph nodes observed under a microscope.
Symptoms commonly include persistent fever (above 38°C for six months or more), night sweats, and unexplained weight loss, collectively referred to as B symptoms.
Treatment depends on the stage and aggressiveness of the disease, with chemotherapy being the main approach. Radiation therapy may be added depending on tumor location and extent. As lymphoma is a type of blood cancer, surgical intervention is uncommon.
Common side effects during treatment include hair loss, nausea, fatigue, anemia, and heightened infection risk due to reduced white blood cells.
While many patients achieve remission through chemotherapy, relapse rates remain high, and autologous stem cell transplantation is often considered following treatment to reduce recurrence risks.
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