Kim Jong-hyun, a key member of one of South Korea's biggest boy bands, SHINee, has died. He was 27.
The singer, who performed under the name Jonghyun, was found unconscious in a rented Seoul apartment on Monday evening. He received emergency CPR treatment upon his arrival at a hospital but was later pronounced dead.
Investigators believe he died from inhaling toxic fumes, after discovering coal briquettes burned in a frying pan in his apartment.
Kim's band, SHINee, one of South Korea's most popular boy bands, signed with the country's biggest music label, SM Entertainment, in 2008. Kim also had a successful solo career as a singer-songwriter. His debut solo album in 2015 topped the US Billboard World Albums chart.
South Korean news agency Yonhap reports that Kim's sister made an initial report to police after receiving a text message from the singer saying "Please let me go. Tell me I did well", and "final farewell".
SM Entertainment has issued a statement confirming Kim's death. The statement reads:
Hello, this is SM Entertainment.
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.
It is devastating to deliver such sad news to the fans who gave him great love.
We ask you to refrain from making rumors or assumption based 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.
Once again, we offer our deepest condolence.
On Tuesday morning, the band tweeted a photo of Kim saying they would remember him forever.
The caption reads: "Johnhyun. The person who loved music more than anyone, who enjoyed the stage, who liked to communicate with fans through music, the best artist. We will remember you forever."
Fans across the world are mourning Kim.
Thank you for everything you have done. Rest in peace angel.
one thing i want to say is, don't remember jonghyun for how he died remember him as the idol who fought for lgbt ri… https://t.co/Kcocp7gYKC
shawols in chile did this amazing thing, rest in piece jonghyun you will be greatly missed
I want to cherish this moment forever. #Shawols #SHINee #Jonghyun
Just woke up to a dreadful news. 😔 Today we lost an amazing and talented person. My deepest condelences to Jonghyun… https://t.co/Ou803esU8F
And highlighting the importance of discussing mental health issues.
jonghyun didn’t hide his depression behind a “brave face”, he was open about his depression. he was always open abo… https://t.co/CpFAjn6aCW
Take a break for yourself. #MyMentalHealthIn5Words Rest in Peace Jonghyun. Stay strong SHINee, Shawol and his famil… https://t.co/hrsp5Jxt6E
I did not know him personally but my thoughts and prayers go out to Jonghyun and his family/friends. I also hope th… https://t.co/YxNMETU9aY
Celebrities have also shared their condolences.
Rest in Paradise to Jonghyun. Heart goes out to family, friends, and his fans. Stay up everybody, spread love and compassion 🙏🙏🙏
Rest in Paradise Jonghyun 😔
If you need to talk to someone, you can call Lifeline Australia on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue Australia on 1300 22 4636.
If you need to talk to someone in Japan, you can call Tokyo English Lifeline on 03 5774 0992 or visit Japan Support Center for Suicide Countermeasures (in Japanese).
