Model Kim Sung Chan, best known for his appearance on ‘Korea’s Next Top Model 5,’ passed away at the age of 35 after a long battle with blood cancer.

According to a report by SPOTV News on November 7, Kim passed away on November 6 after fighting non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a type of blood cancer, for about two years.

His older brother stated, “My younger brother passed away after more than two years of battling cancer. Please offer warm words of comfort for him.”

Throughout his illness, Kim continued to share updates on his condition through social media. Despite enduring difficult chemotherapy, he expressed his determination to overcome the disease with messages such as “I won’t give up” and “I’m being reborn.” Earlier this year, he reassured fans by writing, “As you can see, I’m recovering well. It’s a bit late, but let’s always be happy,” a message that now deeply moves those who knew him.

A funeral has been arranged at the Seoul Medical Center Funeral Hall (Room 2), with the procession scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on November 8.

Kim Sung Chan made his debut in 2013 through the ‘2014 S/S Unbounded AWE fashion show’ and quickly gained attention as a rising model, appearing on the runway at Seoul Fashion Week each year. In 2014, he gained national recognition through OnStyle’s ‘Korea’s Next Top Model 5 Guys & Girls,’ where his confident and cheerful personality impressed judges including top models Lee Hye Jung and Kim Won Jung.

In 2019, Kim walked the runway for ‘Youser 2020 S/S’ and made his debut at Milan Fashion Week, drawing significant attention. He appeared in several high-profile commercials for brands such as beer and laptops, and also ran his own YouTube channel titled Sungnan TV.

Following the news of his passing, fellow celebrities and colleagues expressed their condolences. Former Rainbow member No Eul commented, “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 expressed their grief, writing, “May he rest in peace.”