Former Cheonhajangsa 'Bulgom' Hwang Dae-woong Found Dead in Rehabilitation Hospital

Former Rival of Kang Ho-dong, Investigation Underway into Incident Circumstances

It was recently revealed that Hwang Dae-woong (58), a famous former ssireum wrestler known as "Bulgom," who won the Cheonhajangsa title twice in the past, died after falling from the rooftop of a rehabilitation hospital.

Hwang fell from the rooftop on the 11th floor of a rehabilitation hospital building in Gyeyang-gu, Gyesan-dong, Incheon, around 2:30 PM on the 4th. A caregiver who was beside him tried to hold him back but ultimately could not prevent the fall. Immediately after the fall, Hwang was unconscious and not breathing. He was transported to the hospital by the 119 emergency medical team but eventually passed away. It was reported that Hwang had been hospitalized and receiving treatment at the rehabilitation hospital due to cerebral infarction and other conditions.

The photo is not related to the specific content of the article. [Image source=Yonhap News]

A police official stated, "There is no indication of homicide," and added, "The exact circumstances of the accident are under investigation."

Hwang, originally from Yeoju, Gyeonggi Province, was active as a second-generation domestic ssireum wrestler from the late 1980s to the early 1990s. After graduating from Gimpo Yanggok Jong High School (Yanggok High School) in 1987, he entered the professional ssireum scene and made headlines by receiving a groundbreaking contract amount of 55 million won when joining Samick Musical Instruments. In July 1988, Hwang gained great fame by winning the Baekdujangsa title, and three years later, in 1991, he won the Cheonhajangsa title twice. At that time, he was known as a rival who blocked Kang Ho-dong's dominance by defeating him in the semifinals, preventing Kang from winning the Cheonhajangsa title for the fourth consecutive time.

Hwang retired in March 1998 after achieving the Cheonhajangsa title twice and the Baekdujangsa title six times. His overall record was 501 matches with 329 wins and 172 losses.

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