South Korean Running Influencer Yoo Ji-won Dies After Collapsing Near Seoul Half Marathon Finish
 

South Korean running influencer and KAIST graduate student Yoo Ji-won, 25, died after collapsing near the finish line of a half marathon during the 2026 Seoul Race. She became unconscious after running about 20.6 kilometers, only around 500 meters from the finish. Emergency responders performed CPR and took her to a hospital, but she never regained consciousness. The official cause of her death has not yet been determined.

Yoo began running in 2022 and gained a large online following by sharing how she balanced her studies and running training. While researching semiconductors for artificial intelligence at KAIST, she regularly spent time running and improving her personal records. She had achieved impressive results in several races and often encouraged her followers to stay healthy, enjoy running throughout their lives, and improve gradually. After news of her death spread, many people expressed their sadness and shared tributes online.

Her death raised concerns about the safety of long-distance running events. Marathon champion Hwang Young-jo warned that amateur runners can become too focused on speed and rankings, sometimes ignoring their bodies' warning signs. He also called for better emergency preparations at races. Although cardiac arrests during marathons and half marathons are rare, researchers have found that improved emergency responses and greater access to defibrillators may help more runners survive. The incident highlights the importance of balancing athletic goals with health and safety.

Edited using generative AI tools. 
Source: https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/south-korean-

Comprehension

How old was Yoo Ji-won when she died?
How far had Yoo run when she collapsed during the Seoul Race?
What was Yoo studying at KAIST?
What warning did Olympic marathon champion Hwang Young-jo give to amateur runners?
According to the study mentioned in the article, what may have helped improve survival rates among runners who experienced cardiac arrest?

Discussion

Why do you think some runners push themselves to achieve faster times and better rankings?
How can runners recognize when they need to slow down or stop exercising?
Do you think social media puts pressure on athletes to perform better? Why or why not?
What do you think is more important in running: reaching a personal goal or protecting your health?
How can beginners prepare safely for a half marathon?
What responsibilities should race organizers have to protect participants?
Do you think having more ambulances and medical staff at running events is necessary? Why?
How can people balance work, studies, exercise, and rest?
What advice would you give to someone who is training for their first long-distance race?
Do you think it is difficult for people to accept their physical limits? Why or why not?

Vocabulary

collapse — to suddenly fall down, often because of illness or exhaustion
unconscious — not awake and unable to respond to people or surroundings
repose — a state of rest or peace; often used when referring to someone who has died
bereaved — having lost a loved one through death
strain — to push the body or mind too hard
amateur — someone who participates in an activity without doing it as a professional
tribute — words or actions that show respect, admiration, or remembrance
recreational — done for enjoyment rather than as a job or profession
cardiac arrest — a condition in which the heart suddenly stops pumping blood effectively
defibrillator — a medical device that uses an electric shock to help restore a normal heart rhythm