2024 RT Amination Banner.gif

China Daily

Focus> Life & Art> Content
Monday, December 18, 2017, 23:58
Popular S. Korean boy band member dies in possible suicide
By Associated Press
Monday, December 18, 2017, 23:58 By Associated Press

This undated picture released by Yonhap news agency in Seoul on Dec 18, 2017 shows Kim Jong-Hyun, singer of popular K-pop group SHINee. The singer died on Monday 18 in an apparent suicide, police said. (YONHAP / AFP)

SEOUL, South Korea — The lead singer of popular South Korean boy band SHINee died on Monday, police said, in a possible suicide.

Kim Jong-hyun, better known by the stage name Jonghyun, was found unconscious at a residence hotel in Seoul and was later pronounced dead at a nearby hospital, Seoul police said.

Police said Kim's sister told them that the singer sent her text messages such as "Final farewell" and "I've had difficulties" before his death.

Police said they have not yet determined whether he killed himself.

Yonhap news agency said authorities found burned coal briquettes, which produce carbon monoxide, in a frying pan in Kim's hotel room.

Kim debuted in 2008 as the main singer of SHINee, and cultivated a career as both a group member and a solo singer-song writer. His last public appearance was at a solo concert titled "Inspired" on Dec. 9-10 in Seoul, and he was scheduled to hold concerts with SHINee members in Tokyo and Osaka in February, Yonhap said.

South Korea has one of the highest suicide rates among developed countries. A string of high-profile figures, including a former president and business executives, have killed themselves in recent years.

Share this story