8 Shocking Celebrity News That Distressed K-pop Community
[TW: Mentions of death, suicide, depression, murder]
Celebrity life is not without its fallouts. Aside from the glossy and glamorous aura it presents to fans, there are also a fair share of bad news. While normal in any given time, some news are so drastic, to the point of having the whole industry affected.
Here are 8 shocking celebrity news that shook the K-pop community
1. Seo Taiji & Lee Ji Ah's Divorce
Seo Taiji and Lee Ji Ah's divorce news shocked the entire community due to its unexpected twist. In 2011, Lee Ji Ah starred in the SBS K-drama "Athena: Goddess of War," to which she began dating co-star and actor Jung Woo Sung.
As the two received support, it was then discovered that Lee Ji Ah had been secretly married to K-pop icon Seo Taiji, causing a scandal to break out. As background, Seo Taiji met Lee Ji Ah before her debut in the industry. After Lee Ji Ah turned 19, the two got married, and lived in Atlanta and Arizona.
Even though they were married in 1997, Seo Taiji returned to Korea in 2000 to focus on his career. During 2006, Lee Ji Ah had already set divorce proceedings and a settlement was concluded in 2011. After a series of alimony and state law concerns, the two was eventually declared divorced.
2. SHINEE Jonghyun's Passing
The year 2017 was a mournful one for fans, idols, and the industry, due to Jonghyun's sudden passing. On December 18, 2017, police confirmed that Jonghyun was found unconscious in a residence. Responders attempted CPR and rushed Jonghyun to the hospital, but was later pronounced dead.
Various K-pop artists attend Jonghyun's funeral, such as members from SNSD, Red Velvet, Super Junior, and many more grieved. Fans also gathered on the procession to pay their respects.
3. f(x) Sulli's Passing
On October 14, 2019, fans were met by devastating news. According to SM Entertainment, Sulli passed away, and assured not to write any misinformation for her family's sake. Police have also confirmed a handwritten note from Sulli, but refrained from disclosing its content to pay respects.
4. KARA Goo Hara's Passing
On November 24, 2019, Goo Hara's sudden passing shocked the community for its unexpectedness. According to Seoul Gangnam Police Station, the late idol was found dead at her home, in Cheongdam neighborhood.
Since Goo Hara wasn't associated with any Korea agencies at that time, her Japanese agency Production Ogi, relayed the announcement to Korean label, 8D Creative.
5. Choi Jinsil's Passing
On October 2, 2008, the late Choi Jinsil passed away due to suicide. The news of her death spread like wildfire in the community. According to reports, her passing was due to distress, amid rumors of her being involved in her friend Ahn Jae Hwan's death.
The actress' passing didn't only raise awareness for South Korea's surge of suicide rates, but also making the country's government enforce regulations on Internet posts.
6. Yoo Seungjun's Citizenship Controversy
Singer-actor Yoo Seungjun created a major buzz in the early 2000s. In 2002, his career ended when he was accused of evading South Korean mandatory military service through obtaining a U.S. citizenship. Since then, he was banned from entering South Korea. Yoo Seungjun also became the first person in history to be banned from Korea for processing a citizenship.
7. Kim Joo Hyuk's Car Accident
The late Kim Joo Hyuk left the industry in shock for his passing, due to a tragic car accident. According to reports, the accident took place in Samseong, Seoul, where his car overturned and caught on fire. Kim Joo Hyuk was rushed to a hospital, but passed away shortly.
Kim Joo Hyuk was 45 years old, and was a member on the variety show, "2 Days & 1 Night."
8. DEUX Kim Sungjae's Alleged Murder
In November 20, 1995, Kim Sungjae was found dead in a hotel room, alongside 28 used syringes. According to investigators, the late idol initially suspected that overdose was the cause of death. However, the National Institute of Scientific Investigation discovered remnants of animal anesthetics on his blood, leading to the allegation of murder intent.
Sungjae's girlfriend Kim took the heat during the investigation. Since Kim was found purchasing animal anesthetic, this led police to name her as prime suspect. During the court hearings, a witness claimed to have forgotten specific details, which caused Kim's charges to be dropped.
Until this day, the topic has left an impact, and its mystery instilling curiosity within the community. On April 2018, fans petitioned for a re-investigation on Kim Sung Jae's death.
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