K-pop boy band star Jonghyun dies at age 27

Jonghyun was the SHINee frontrunner.
 By 
Nicole Gallucci
 on 
K-pop boy band star Jonghyun dies at age 27
Jong-hyun's band Shinee performs onstage during the 2013 Miss Korea Beauty Pageant. Credit: Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images

Kim Jong-hyun, frontrunner of K-pop boy band SHINee, died on Monday, according to South Korean media reports. His death is believed to be a suicide.

The 27-year-old, known as Jonghyun, was reportedly found unconscious at an apartment in southern Seoul, per Yonhap News. According to Yonhap News' report, Jong-hyun experienced cardiac arrest and was transported to a hospital but never regained consciousness.

Though the cause of death is still unclear, investigators reportedly discovered burnt coal in a frying pan upon entering the apartment and suspect Jonghyun died from inhaling toxic fumes.

Jonghyun's sister, who is said to have called the authorities after receiving a concerning text from her brother, thinks he died by suicide.

Upon learning of the news, fans were their quick to share their sadness and support on Twitter.

As Variety notes, since being formed in 2008, SHINee greatly rose in popularity in the music, fashion, and film industries. The five-member boy band recorded over 10 albums — the most recent, Five, was released in February.

If you want to talk to someone or are experiencing suicidal thoughts, text the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.

Here is a list of international resources.

Topics Music

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Nicole Gallucci

Nicole is a Senior Editor at Mashable. She primarily covers entertainment and digital culture trends, and in her free time she can be found watching TV, sending voice notes, or going viral on Twitter for admiring knitwear. You can follow her on Twitter @nicolemichele5.

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