Star’s suicide highlights dark side of the K-pop dream


Family members and friends of late SHINee singer Kim Jong-Hyun cry as they carry out his coffin during a funeral at a hospital in Seoul on December 21, 2017. -AFP

SEOUL: Known for its ultra-competitive, pressure-cooker society, South Korea has one of the world’s highest suicide rates. And this week the even higher stresses in the country’s lucrative showbiz industry took their toll on a K-pop superstar.

Kim Jong-Hyun, a 27-year-old lead singer of the hugely popular boy band SHINee, took his own life in a Seoul hotel room on Monday, with his death sending shockwaves through fans around the world.

Unlock 30% Savings on Ad-Free Access Now!

Monthly Plan

RM13.90/month
RM9.73 only

Billed as RM9.73 for the 1st month then RM13.90 thereafters.

Annual Plan

RM12.33/month
RM8.63/month

Billed as RM103.60 for the 1st year then RM148 thereafters.

1 month

Free Trial

For new subscribers only


Cancel anytime. No ads. Auto-renewal. Unlimited access to the web and app. Personalised features. Members rewards.
Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In Regional

Asean News Headlines at 10pm on Sunday (June 22 , 2025)
Two elderly people die from suspected heatstroke in Japan
Chinese student jailed for 24 years for raping women in UK and China
US bombing of Iranian nuclear sites sparks worldwide condemnation
Japan's Shinmoedake volcano erupts, alert level remains at two
Japan's high-tech sunscreens tap into skincare craze; Indonesia among nations where new factories will be set up
'No reason for Paetongtarn to resign and dissolve the Parliament', says Thai ruling party
China urges US to ‘look at the whole picture’ on tariffs to see true trade ties
Thai PM Paetongtarn says she has coalition support after resignation calls
Paris Hilton buys US$63mil Beverly Park mansion from Chinese billionaire’s family after losing Malibu home in wildfire

Others Also Read