K-pop superstar Jonghyun, born Kim Jong-hyun, was found dead by police on Monday. He was 27 years old.
Jonghyun was found unconscious in an apartment in Seoul, at approximately 6:45pm local time, according to Soomoi. Emergency responders performed CPR and the singer was immediately rushed to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The police visited the apartment after Jonghyun’s sister filed a report of disappearance. Soomoi said she had received an alarming text message from Jonghyun that said, “It has been really hard. Let me go. Tell me I did well. This is my last goodbye.”
Police told the BBC Korean Service that suicide will be investigated as a possibility.
Jonghyun was one of the five members of K-pop group SHINee, formed by SM Entertainment in 2008. Jonghyun debuted as a solo artist on January 12, 2015, with his first EP, Base. On May 24, 2016, Jonghyun released his first studio album, She Is, which rose to No. 4 on Billboard‘s World Albums and No. 20 on Billboard‘s Heatseekers Albums.
Aside from his music, Jonghyun was also an advocate for LGBTQ rights and was vocal about his opinion of the Korean government’s education policy.
Fans around the world paid tribute to the K-pop star on Twitter.
regardless of what fandom you're in, today the kpop community mourns together. I don't even know what to say, just that I'm sorry we lost you Jonghyun. I am a sone but damn this hurts like hell. RIP Jonghyun we will miss you dearly.
— foreversoshi/leynish805 (@foreversoshi) December 18, 2017
https://twitter.com/Mix9_official/status/942741676954550273
https://twitter.com/2minaddict/status/942764489446789122
SM Entertainment has confirmed it. We lost the brightest idol tonight. Kim Jonghyun, the bravest human being I've ever known, someone who isn't afraid of differences, someone who's warm and kind hearted…
— 春华🕊 (@joeunhana) December 18, 2017
Rest in peace, Jonghyun. Let go of your pain. You lived well. Thank you.
rest in peace jonghyun. you were a strong, inspiring person to many and a brave fighter. you will always be loved and remembered. i'm sending my condolences to his family, friends and loved ones. i hope they find peace and strength. please reach out to the ones who are suffering.
— jonghyun pics (@nuestjrpics) December 18, 2017
There's no darkness, because you've left us with so much light. You live forever in us, SHINee's Kim Jonghyun. I'm sorry we couldn't do anything for you when you were suffering.
— 🥀 keihissi 🥀 (@keihissi) December 18, 2017
My condolences to his family and Jinki, Kibum, Minho, and Taemin. We continue to be here for you.
Fans waiting outside the hospital said Jonghyun was transferred to the ICU and had not died. These reports were unconfirmed by the hospital and police, however, which both confirmed he died after reaching the hospital. SM Entertainment also confirmed he has died.
https://twitter.com/hiplikejimin/status/942766650335494145
Keep on fighting baby We’re here , Can you feel us? #SHINee #StayStrongShawols #SHINeeWORLD pic.twitter.com/1516wxDO7P
— ᴮᴱEternal⁷ ⟬⟭ (@Btsxloved) December 18, 2017
For more information about suicide prevention or to speak with someone confidentially, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (U.S.), Samaritans (U.K.), or a South Korean suicide hotline listed here.