Family of travel YouTuber Jin Sseurebul, killed in Bolivia hit-and-run, asks public to refrain from malicious comments

The family of Jin Sseurebul (real name Jo Jin-woo), a travel YouTuber who died in a traffic accident in Bolivia at age 33, has shared an update on efforts to bring him home and urged the public to "refrain from malicious comments."

Jin Sseurebul's older brother addressed viewers through YouTube on Friday, saying, "My heart is breaking and heavy as I deliver this sudden and heartbreaking news."

"My younger brother, Jin Sseurebul, who has received so much love and support from so many people, has passed away in a sudden traffic accident involving a large truck," he said. "I extend my deepest condolences to everyone who was shocked by this news, and I sincerely thank all those who cherished and supported my brother."

He went on to say, "We ask that you refrain from spreading unverified speculation or information that differs from the facts regarding the news of the deceased. We also ask that you hold back from criticism, malicious comments, and indiscriminate references to the private lives of the bereaved family and the deceased."

"We will always cherish and be grateful for the countless warm and generous hearts mourning and paying tribute to the deceased. However, we, the bereaved family, also need time to grieve fully and collect ourselves," he said.

He added that the family had received extensive assistance from officials and consular staff at the South Korean embassy in Bolivia. "Every member of the family has put their daily lives on hold and is departing for Bolivia immediately. The journey back will not be easy, and we are preparing to bring back Jin-woo's final belongings and hold a funeral in Korea with family, relatives and acquaintances after our return," he said.

He closed by saying, "It would give us great strength if you could wait just a little longer and offer your comfort as our Jin-woo makes his final journey home safely to Korea. We bow our heads in sincere gratitude."

Jin Sseurebul died Wednesday after colliding with a large freight truck while cycling in El Alto, Bolivia.

According to local media, the truck driver fled the scene but was later apprehended by police. Local authorities are investigating the exact circumstances of the accident.

Jin Sseurebul had built a following with a distinctive style of content in which he cycled through countries around the world, tracing routes that formed drawings on a map.

He had traveled through South Korea, Europe, Africa and North America, and had more recently been journeying through Latin America. His YouTube channel, which had about 66,000 subscribers, features a video of a mountain road trip in Peru published Oct. 30 as its final post.

Since news of his sudden death broke, tributes from fans and subscribers have continued to pour in on his YouTube channel and social media accounts.