This is truly a sad day for K-pop fans around the world. Numerous news outlets have confirmed that Jonghyun, 1 of the 5 members from SHINee, passed away today (Monday, 18th December).
The 27-year-old lead singer of the popular boy band was found unconscious in a rented apartment studio in Cheongdam-dong in southern Seoul around 7pm (Malaysian time). Not long after he was rushed to the Konkuk University Hospital, the entertainer was pronounced dead.
Jonghyun’s older sister, who made the initial call to emergency responders, believed that the pop star had committed suicide. The cause of death: carbon monoxide poisoning. The Gangnam Police reported that brown coal briquettes lit inside a frying pan were discovered at the location. This is believed to be a common method of suicide in South Korea.
Word on the street has it that Jonghyun had sent a suicide note to his sister before his shocking death. The alleged message reads, “It’s been really hard up until now. Send me off please. Tell me I lived well. This is my last greeting“.
The K-pop industry can be so dark that you never know what’s going on behind closed doors. May you rest in peace, Jonghyun 🙁
Sources: Channel NewsAsia, Koreaboo (1)(2).
