Busan High School Student Dies After Kickboxing Sparring Session

Police are investigating the death of an 18‑year‑old high school student who collapsed during a break at a kickboxing gym in Busan. The student, who had been sparring in two‑minute rounds with a 20‑year‑old partner, was found unconscious in the gym’s restroom and was taken to hospital with a pulse but no breathing. He died twelve days later.

Investigators have requested an autopsy from the National Forensic Service and are questioning the sparring partner, gym staff, and reviewing CCTV footage. Police say the footage shows no unusually violent conduct during the sparring, and they are assessing whether the death was accidental, intentional, or due to negligence.