On May 3 at approximately 11:50 AM KST, Buan County police received reports that three individuals had become stranded due to a flood tide while out picking clams on a mud flat. 

Of the three individuals, two were able to climb onto boulders and wait for help. The last individual, a woman in her 70's, was found drifting in the tide by rescuers. The woman was immediately transported to the hospital after being rescued, but ultimately passed away. 

Soon after the unfortunate news made headlines, it was quickly discovered that the woman in her 70's was comedian Kim Byung Man's mother. On the evening of May 3, Kim Byung Man's label SM C&C confirmed, "Kim Byung Man's mother passed away earlier today. The funeral will take place privately. Please show your respect so that the family can mourn in peace." 

Meanwhile, according to reports, the three individuals including Kim Byung Man's mother began clam picking at around 8 AM KST on May 3. The group, immersed in their work for nearly 4 hours, failed to notice the flood tide coming in.