When someone whom we love suddenly leaves this world, it feels like that. Similarly, we have made a list in which these Korean celebrities said goodbye to the world at a young age. In this article, we have talked about 10 K-pop Stars Who Died Young.
The deaths of celebrities are heartbreaking for fans, but it’s especially devastating when young K-pop stars die. Over the years, many K-pop singers have died at a young age. EunB and RiSe, members of the girl group Ladies Code, died in a car accident in 2014. TST member Yohan, 28, died of undisclosed causes in June 2020.
Unfortunately, many of these K-pop idol deaths were suicides due to grief and cyberbullying. While we mourn the death of these K-pop idols, we will never forget the impact they had on our lives through their songs, performances, and humanitarian efforts.
Let’s Check Our list of 10 K-pop Stars Who Died Young
10. Kim Jonghyun
Jonghyun, singer and soloist of SHINee, died on December 18, 2017, at the age of 27. Before dying from carbon monoxide poisoning, Jonghyun wrote a “final goodbye” to his older sister and said, “I did well.” The following day, a three-day public funeral was held, with a private service attended by family and close friends. Many news sites have attributed his untimely death to depression.
Jonghyun has had a successful career as a member of SHINee, as a solo artist since being discovered by SM Entertainment at the age of 15. His posthumous album, Poet | Artist, debuted at number 177 on the US Billboard 200 and reached number one on other international charts.
9. Sulli
Former f(x) member Sulli committed suicide on October 14, 2019. She was 25 years old. Sulli’s suicide by hanging sparked petitions demanding tougher punishment for the cyberbullying she had suffered for years. This inspired the proposed “Sully Act”, which would create a new law requiring action against hostile comments.
Sulli began acting at the age of 11, after becoming an SM trainee while in elementary school. Sulli gained widespread popularity with f(x), but he left the band in 2014 due to health problems. In the summer of 2019, he made his solo debut with the song “Goblin”.
8. Dongyoon
Spectrum rapper Dongyoon died on July 27, 2018, at the age of 20; The cause of death was never made public.
Before making his debut, Dongyun competed in the K-pop survival show MIXNINE and finished in 21st place. He soon made his debut with Spectrum. Dongyoon co-wrote the song “Dear My”, which is dedicated to the late member.
7. Goo Hara
On November 24, 2019, KARA member Goo Hara committed suicide, one month after the death of her close friend Sulli. She was 28 years old. Last year, she was involved in a legal battle with an ex-boyfriend, who was sentenced to prison for assault and threatening to upload private videos. Hara was hospitalized in May 2019 after a failed suicide attempt.
During her time with KARA, Goo Hara was extremely popular in both Korea and Japan. She has also been in several reality series and has done some acting gigs. Hara began her solo career in 2016, and in 2018 she made her Japanese singles debut.
6. Yohan
TST member Yohan, 28, died on June 16, 2020. His family has decided not to announce the cause of death.
Since their debut in 2017, TST has released two EPs and several hit singles, including “Love Story” and “Paradise”. Yohan also had a YouTube channel with fellow member Ann, where they shared vlogs, mukbangs, and dancing clips.
5. Hwansung
Hwansung, NRG’s vocalist and maknae, died at the age of 19 on June 15, 2000, from a viral infection. His final weeks were spent in the hospital, where his condition rapidly deteriorated and he was eventually put on life support. The group took a one-year pause to grieve his death.
Hwansung was on his way to being a member of one of the largest first-generation groups after making his NRG debut in 1997. Following their break, NRG published their fourth album, Sorrow, and performed their first concert in Korea, as well as various tributes to their late member.
4. Cha In-ha
Cha In-ha, a SURPRISE U member, passed away on December 3, 2019 at the age of 27. As of yet, no cause or specifics have been revealed, and his family has asked that an autopsy not be performed.
Cha, best known as an actor, had a steady rise in popularity, playing in shows such as The Banker, Love with Flaws, and Clean with Passion for Now. In 2017, he and four other actors debuted as the K-pop group SURPRISE U.
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3. EunB
EunB, a 21-year-old Ladies’ Code member, died in a deadly car accident on September 3, 2014. EunB was pronounced dead upon arrival, while the other members were transported to the hospital. RiSe also died a few days later.
Following their deaths, the group achieved great success thanks to the support of not only their fans but also the K-pop community. Ladies’ Code’s tribute track, “I’ll Smile Even If It Hurts,” was released in 2015.
2. RiSe
On September 4, 2014, Ladies Code was involved in a fatal automobile accident. EunB was declared dead on arrival, while the other members were taken to the hospital. RiSe condition worsened over the next few days and he died on 7 September 2014 at the age of 23.
After his death, the group achieved great success thanks to the support of not only their fans but also the K-pop community. Ladies Code performed a tribute concert in Tokyo, Japan in 2015 to honor RiSe’s wish to perform in her native country.
1. Moonbin
Moonbin’s death was a big shock for his fans. On April 19, 2023, Astro member Moonbin died at the age of 25. His manager found him dead at his home in Seoul. Local police identified the cause of death as a suspected suicide, with no evidence of foul play. Moonbin’s death was also confirmed by her label Fantagio, which released an official statement regarding her passing and burial arrangements.
Moonbin debuted with the famous K-pop boy group Astro on February 23, 2016. He was also part of the group’s first sub-unit, Moonbin and Sanha. Along with her successful singing career, Moonbin has been in several television episodes and web dramas, including The Mermaid Prince and Moments of Eighteen.