Lead singer of South Korean boy band Shinee dies

The lead singer of the South Korean boy band Shinee has died after being taken to hospital in an unconscious state, the Yonhap news agency has reported.

Kim Jong-hyun, better known as Jonghyun, was found unconscious at his home in Seoul on Monday evening, Yonhap said. He was 27.

The JoongAng Daily newspaper reported that the cause of death appeared to be suicide.

News of Kim’s death prompted a flurry of messages on social media, with many fans voicing disbelief.

A Twitter account devoted to K-pop photos said: “Sending our deepest condolences to SHINee Jonghyun and those who known him well. If you’re going through a hard time, please do know that you never walk alone. Talk to someone and take care of yourself.”

Another Twitter user wrote: “Today we lost one of the most talented artists in Korea. I’m heartbroken and devastated by the news.”

Police arrived at Kim’s apartment after receiving an emergency call from his sister, according to South Korean media. The singer was taken to a nearby hospital and was later pronounced dead, police said.

Yonhap said Kim’s sister had received a text message from her brother shortly before his death that read: “Please let me go. Tell me I did well. Final farewell.”

The five-member boy band, with Kim as their main vocalist, released their debut album, The Shinee World, in 2008. In 2011, Shinee made a successful foray into the Japanese market, and they have since built a huge fanbase there.

The Japanese-language version of their single Replay sold more than 100,000 copies in Japan – at the time, this was the highest number of sales in the country for a debut single by a South Korean group.

Shinee are considered among the best live performers in K-pop and have won multiple awards for their complex dance routines.

Kim, who also had a successful career as a solo singer-songwriter, last appeared in public at a solo concert in Seoul this month.

(THE GUARDIAN)