Kim Jong-hyun, one of South Korea’s biggest K-pop stars, has died suddenly after being found unconscious in his Seoul home.
Kim Jong-hyun, or Jonghyun, was a member of the hugely popular SHINee, who have dominated the South Koran pop charts with a string of hits since 2008.
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The Associated Press reports that the 27 year-old Jonghyun was found unconscious in a hotel in Seoul on Monday, and was later pronounced dead at a nearby hospital.
Police told the Korean media that suicide is being investigated as a possible cause of death.
Jonghyun shot to fame when the band was formed by K-Pop hit factory SM Entertainment in 2008. They released their debut album The SHINee World in 2008. Jonghyun launched a solo career in 2015.
In a statement SM Entertainment, the company who manage SHINee, said.
“We’re sorry to deliver such heart-aching, unfortunate news. On December 18, SHINee member Jonghyun left our side unexpectedly. He was found unconscious at a residential hotel in Cheongdam-dong, Seoul and was rushed to a nearby hospital but was declared dead on the evening of the 18th.
“The deep sorrow cannot be compared to ones of his family who had to let go of their loving son and brother but the employees and artists of SM Entertainment, also in deep shock and sorrow, are offering condolences.
“Jonghyun was the best artist who loved music more than anyone and always worked hard for his performance… We ask you to refrain from making rumors or assumptions based on reports in respect of his family who are in deep sorrow from the sudden news. As his family wished, his funeral will be carried out in the quietest manner with his family members and co-workers.”
Jonghyun’s fans and members of the Shawol (SHINee fan club) took to Twitter to share their condolences:
For crisis support in Australia call Lifeline 13 11 14. Other international suicide helplines can be found at www.befrienders.org.
