Popular K-Pop Boy Band Shinee Singer, Kim Jong-Hyun Dies In An Apparent Suicide

By Samantha in Heartbreaking On 22nd December 2017
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#1

Kim Jong-Hyun, the lead singer of a South Korean boy band, "Shinee" died on Monday, 18 December, in an apparent suicide. Fans knew the star by his stage name Jonghyun. According to reports, on Monday Jonghyun's older sister contacted the police, fearing for the life of her younger brother, as she feared that her brother might commit suicide.

#2

Jonghyun before taking his life, messaged his older sister, bidding her goodbye in a painful message, which stated, "It's been hard. Let me go. Tell me I've worked hard. This is my farewell, goodbye."

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#3

Upon reaching Jonghyun's home in Gangnam, Seoul, the police found him unconscious, immediately transferring him to the hospital where doctors declared him dead. According to the police, they found brown liquid in his apartment, which according to reports was coal briquette. According to initial reports, Jonghyun died from carbon monoxide poisoning in an apparent suicide.

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#4

The sudden death of megastar has left the fans stunned and devastated all over the world, as the fans are coping with the death of their beloved artist, they are also shedding light on an important issue of mental health. A stigma which is rarely discussed or taken seriously but apparently has claimed lives of dozens of artists in the past and continue to do so in the present.

Along with the trending topic of Jonghyun's suicide and Shinee, another trending topic on Twitter is #MyMentalHealthIn5Words.

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#5

Junghyun made his debut in 2008 playing the role of a frontman of boy band "Shinee." The band reached new waves of popularity not only in South-Korea but all across the world, making the members one of the most popular all over the world. Jonghyun also made a successful solo debut, known famously for his emotive vocals and stage presence, allowing him to gain popularity as a solo singer too. The late actor performed his last solo performance on December 9.

#6

According to sources, the K-Pop star was suffering from severe bouts of depression and was in a continuous battle in fighting it, finally succumbing to its pressure in the end. Although the real reason behind Jonghyun's reason of depression is unknown, it is believed that just like many other artists in the past, Jonghyun was also a victim of the notoriously high pressure of perfection and maintaining the status of fame that is very common in Korean Entertainment Industry.

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#7

Many of the celebrities in Korean Industry are hired during their teenage years, giving them exposure to the harsh reality of the Industry, which teenage minds are not capable of handling. The pressure to be perfect in every aspect of physical appearance to behaviour, bearing social judgment and little to no privacy makes these young celebrities to succumb to mental illnesses.

Along with the journey of fame and success here also starts their struggle with depression, anxiety, insomnia and various other mental conditions. The unfortunate thing is these mental health issues are never discussed out aloud and are still treated as a stigma to this date.

#8

Some of the renowned names of the Korean Entertainment Industry who have suffered the similar fate are actress Lee Eun-Ji. Despite being one of the most popular actors at the time, for starring in some of the famous dramas, Eun-Ji committed suicide at the young age of 24. The reason behind her death was revealed by her family was severe depression, insomnia and impending mental health.

Korean American actor Charles Park, known by a stage name of Seo Ji-Won also killed himself in January 1996 leaving behind note stating the difficulties of the Entertainment Industry and pressure of the sudden fame.

#9

According to reports, Jonghyun was also going through therapy for his depression. Before his death, he handed over a long suicidal note to his friend Nine, a member of band 'Dear Cloud.' The note was posted on Nine's Instagram one day after Jonghyun's departure. According to Nine's management, the note was handed to her two weeks before the suicide. The note was then immediately handed over to Jonghyun's family who tried every means to save him but failed to do so. The note was then posted on social media after getting family's consent.

In the note, Jognhyun states that his doctor thinks it was because of his personality that he is not able to fight off depression. The 27-year old didn't make it clear, the reason behind his struggle with depression but it seems like he was having hard time with pressure that being a celebrity he had to face.

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#11

Not only the fans but the members of Korean Industry are also in shock after the sudden loss of their friend. Grief-stricken celebrities cancelled all their activities, attending the funeral of the late actor. His coffin was carried by his bandmates along with members of "Super Junior," another boy band. Jonghyun's friends later took to social media to express their disbelief and sadness over the death of their friend. Nine in her post, wrote, "In the end, it only delayed his passing and did not prevent it. Beautiful Jonghyun, I love you so much."

Our condolences to the bereaving friends and family. RIP Jonghyun, you will always be remembered.