Love on the Spectrum star Pari Kim’s mom, Esme Kim, has died following a battle with breast cancer.
“Grief and tragedy is not easy and feels very unpleasant,” Pari, 24, wrote via Instagram on Wednesday, May 13. “It feels like everything is becoming a train wreck and that there are two sides of yourself constantly fighting: the sad, lonely girl missing what was cruelly and unfairly taken from her at such a young age and the girl who has to stay strong and positive because she can’t give up if she wants to keep moving forward.”
The reality star continued, “Not every train track is a smooth ride. Sometimes the going gets rough and you need other trains to help you pull through and carry the weight of the world on your shoulders. 😢🕊️ It’s difficult to keep chugging along when your guardian locomotive reaches the end of the line but you have to keep going somehow even without her.”
In a comment, Pari added, “F*** cancer button,” encouraging readers to “like” the comment if they agreed with the sentiment.
Fans and friends flooded the comments section with their condolences.
“Soooooooo sorry to hear about the loss of your mom!! She fought very hard!! Your LOTS family is always here for you!!💜💜💜,” Pari’s Love on the Spectrum costar Madison Marilla wrote.
Her costar Abbey Romeo added, “I am so sorry, Pari. I feel so bad and want to give you and Teal a big hug 💜.”
Pari and her mom, along with Pari’s sister, Teal, made their debut on the Netflix reality show during season 3 in 2025.
“I’m very close with her. I love her very much,” Pari said of Esme on Love on the Spectrum.
Pari’s father died by suicide in 2020.
In a post on her Instagram Story on Wednesday, the influencer encouraged her followers to be “grateful” for their parents.
“If you still have parents and they are loving and caring to you, please be grateful and know how lucky you are!” she wrote. “Time is precious and I didn’t expect to lose both of them so young!”
Esme’s death comes weeks after Pari confirmed her split from Tina Zhu Xi Caruso, whom she met on Love on the Spectrum.
“A few people have been asking if me and Tina are still together. I just wanted to be honest and let you all know that we are just friends now, two trains on different tracks, but I wish her the best and bright T-riffic future!” Pari, whose love of trains was documented on the show, wrote via her Instagram Story on April 24.
In a follow-up post, she wrote, “No matter what media and comments may come out about this news, just know I spoke from my heart and handled this with grace. I hope everyone continues to lead with kindness and compassion. I have spoken my truth.”
