K-Pop star and frontman of the group SHINee, Kim Jong-hyun (AKA Jonghyun), has died at the age of 27.
The Associated Press reports that Jonghyun was found unconscious in a hotel in Seoul on Monday, and was later pronounced dead at a nearby hospital.
Police had reportedly rushed to the scene after receiving an emergency call from Jonghyun’s sister, who told them she had received some troubling text messages from her brother.
“Please let me go. Tell me I did well. Final farewell,” the texts read, according to the Yonhap news agency.
Jonghyun’s death is being investigated as a possible suicide.
SM Entertainment, the company behind SHINee, said in a statement:
“We’re sorry to deliver such heart-aching, unfortunate news. On December 18, SHINee member Jonghyun left our side unexpectedly. He was found unconscious at a residential hotel in Cheongdam-dong, Seoul and was rushed to a nearby hospital but was declared dead on the evening of the 18th.
“The deep sorrow cannot be compared to ones of his family who had to let go of their loving son and brother but the employees and artists of SM Entertainment, also in deep shock and sorrow, are offering condolences.
“Jonghyun was the best artist who loved music more than anyone and always worked hard for his performance… We ask you to refrain from making rumors or assumptions based on reports in respect of his family who are in deep sorrow from the sudden news. As his family wished, his funeral will be carried out in the quietest manner with his family members and co-workers.”
SHINee released their debut album The SHINee World in 2008, while Jonghyun launched his solo career in 2015.
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