Influencer Yoon Ji-ah was reportedly found dead in a field after a live stream.
Multiple local outlets reported that the influencer was covered in bruises and showed signs of strangulation when she was found unresponsive on a mountain in Muju County, North Jeolla Province, South Korea, on September 11.
The outlets reported that authorities believe she was attacked 30 minutes after ending a livestream. Ji-ah was filming in Yeongjong Island, Incheon, a location more than three hours away from where she was found.
Seoul Broadcasting System’s Curious Story Y program shared on Friday, October 3, that the suspect has been identified as a man in his 50s named Choi. He was allegedly living a double life, introducing himself to the influencer as the CEO of an IT company, The Chosun Daily reported.
Choi allegedly used the nickname “Black Cat” on video platforms and convinced the influencer to become business partners. Reports indicated that he was allegedly in debt and his house had been seized via a forced auction.
Ji-ah, meanwhile, reportedly wanted to end ties with Choi as a result of his instructions and scheduling. He was reportedly spotted on security footage before her death, kneeling and asking her to not end their partnership.
The influencer’s family claimed to Chosun Biz that Ji-ah was “forcibly” prevented from leaving a car around 3:27 p.m. local time on September 11, with the car door being slammed shut. Her body was allegedly then found in a grassy field on the mountain in Muju County.
The Chosun Daily reported that her cause of death was asphyxiation due to neck compression.
Choi, meanwhile, was seen around the time of the influencer’s disappearance and was carrying a suitcase toward the mountain, the outlet reported. He reportedly stopped eight times before arriving.
Choi was arrested on September 13 and has denied the charges against him. He later confessed to the killing, however, after discovering that the influencer’s body had been found, The Cosun Daily and Chosun Biz reported.
Ji-ah amassed more than 300,000 followers on TikTok before her death. On September 20, Ji-ah’s family addressed her death in a social media post.
“Our precious Ji-ah has passed away,” the caption of the post read, translated to English. “It is so heartbreaking to share this news amid the sadness that feels like it is collapsing. Ji-ah has always been a bright light who … communicated warmly with people and loved her family deeply.”
The statement continued, “We sincerely thank everyone who loved Ji-ah. Please always remember Ji-ah and pray for her to live happily in a peaceful place without pain. Ji-ah is no longer around, but her love, laughter and warm soul will live forever in our hearts.”
The tribute concluded by explaining that her account would be a place to honor the “beautiful soul” the influencer was, asking fans to “please honor her memory with kindness.”
Several fans took to the comments section to share their condolences for her family. “May your soul rest in peace,” one user wrote, while another added, “Such a sweet and beautiful young lady. So sad.”
