Pro Wrestling Legend Kim Dead at 77

Former pro wrestler Kim Il died at 12:17 p.m. on October 26 at Eulji General Hospital in Hagye-dong, Nowon-gu, Seoul. He was 77.

An official at the hospital said that the late wrestler died of chronic diseases including complications from diabetes and hypertension. On Wednesday, as his heartbeat suddenly stopped, he was transferred to the intensive care unit. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was performed but to no avail.

He dominated professional wrestling in the 1960s and 70s.

Kim, born in Goheung, South Jeolla Province in 1929, moved to Japan and started wrestling there under the guidance of Kim Shin-rak, known by the Japanese name Rikidozan, and won the World Wrestling Association heavyweight championship in 1967. He stayed in the ring for 30 years, claiming the champion’s title 20 times. Unfortunately, he has been ill since 1989 due to the aftereffect of wrestling, and hospitalized since 1994 in Eulji Hospital.

Kim is survived by his wife, Lee In-soon, 60, two daughters and one son. A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on October 28 with the help of the Korea Pro Wrestling Association.

jaeyuna@donga.com