A 5-year-old boy, the son of a well-known Korean American influencer, has died after receiving treatment in an intensive care unit. His death occurred as influenza continues to spread nationwide, with child fatalities reported during the current flu season.
Micah Joseph Kim, 5, was the son of Paul Kim, a Catholic influencer with more than 300,000 followers. Paul Kim had asked for prayers for his son through social media last week.
In a post on Instagram, Paul Kim said his son died on December 31st, announcing the news on January 1st. He described it as “an 11-day long and difficult fight” and thanked supporters for their prayers and encouragement.
According to Paul Kim, Micah Joseph Kim was rushed to a hospital on December 21st after a sudden medical emergency. He was treated in the intensive care unit while dependent on life-support equipment. After contracting severe influenza, he developed sepsis and seizures, fell into a coma, and later died.
“I did everything I could as a father,” Paul Kim said, adding that his son’s soul was already “with the Lord.”
The child’s death occurred as influenza continues to spread across the country. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said that deaths, including among children, continue to be reported during the current flu season.
BY YOONJAE JUNG [jung.yoonjae@koreadaily.com]
![A North Korean flag flutters at the propaganda village of Gijungdong in North Korea, in this picture taken near the truce village of Panmunjom inside the demilitarized zone (DMZ) in South Korea on July 19, 2022. [REUTERS]](https://www.koreadailyus.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/0915-NorthKoreanflag-100x70.jpg "Christian Faith Labeled Treason in North Korea, Believers Sent to Camps")
