Shinee: Kim Jong-hyun, lead singer of South Korean K-pop boy band, dies
Updated
The lead singer of South Korea's top K-pop boy band Shinee has died after being taken to hospital unconscious, local media has reported.
Twenty-seven-year-old Kim Jong-hyun was found unconscious at a rented apartment studio in Cheongdam-dong on Monday evening, the Yonhap News Agency reported, quoting police.
Police arrived at Kim's apartment in southern Seoul after receiving an emergency call from his sister, who received a text message from his brother shortly before his death.
The singer was moved to a nearby hospital but was later pronounced dead, police said.
Kim arrived at the hospital under cardiac arrest and received emergency CPR treatment but failed to regain consciousness.
Yonhap said investigators believe he died from inhaling toxic fumes. No immediate confirmation from police was available.
Kim debuted in May 2008 as the main singer of Shinee under SM Entertainment, South Korea's biggest music label and entertainment agency.
He has boasted a nearly decade-long prolific career not just in group activities but as a solo singer-songwriter.
Shinee are considered among the best K-pop performers for their music as well as their complex dance routines.
Many fans took to social media to express their condolences, with many fans also in disbelief.
Kim's last public appearance was on December 10 at his solo concert in Seoul, titled "Inspired".
If you or anyone you know needs help:
- Lifeline on 13 11 14
- Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800
- MensLine Australia on 1300 789 978
- Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467
- Beyond Blue on 1300 22 46 36
- Headspace on 1800 650 890
ABC/Reuters
Topics: death, human-interest, arts-and-entertainment, music, community-and-society, korea-republic-of, asia
First posted
