Visual artist Kim Jung Gi dies of sudden heart attack at 47
South Korean cartoonist Kim Jung Gi has passed away due to a sudden heart attack. He was 47.
The visual artist was known for his ability to recreate complex scenes from memory and his large-scale works.
His passing was announced on Facebook on Oct. 5. He was in Paris, France and was on the way to New York.
"It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that we inform you of the sudden passing of Kim Jung Gi. After finishing his last schedule in Europe, Jung Gi went to the airport to fly to New York, where he experienced chest pains and was taken to a nearby hospital for surgery, but sadly he passed away," the announcement from Hyun Jin Kim read.
"After having done so much for us, you can now put down your brushes. Thank you, Jung Gi," Hyun said.
The Daniel Maghen Gallery in Paris is currently holding an exhibit for his works and will continue to do so until Oct. 8.
Kim was born in 1975 in Goyang-Si and showed an interest in arts at a young age. He studied at Dong-Eui University in Busan for three years and served in the South Korean army as part of the Special Forces Unit for two years.
His work spans six printed sketchbooks with about 4,500 pages worth of drawings in a span of 12 years. He also collaborated with legendary Japanese artist Katsuya Terada in 2017.
Kim is survived by his wife, two children, friends, collaborators, and fans.