South Korean pop star Sulli was found dead in her home early Monday morning, according to police. Around 3:21 PM, her agent found her non-responsive at her residence in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province. While the official cause of death has not been determined, police are investigating the death as a suicide.
Sulli, born Choi Jin-ri, was first a child actress before joining girl group f(x). She worked as a member of f(x) from 2009 to 2014 under management group SM Entertainment.
SM Entertainment released a statement.
We are very sad and sorry to deliver this sad news. Sulli has left us. We cannot believe the current situation and it is just heart-rending … We extend our deep condolences to the deceased.
A victim of cyber bullying, Sulli transitioned from music to acting. Many were aware that she was battling depression. Her last appearance was on JTBC TV, a program that focused on derogatory comments from social media.
The life of a K-Pop star can be punishing. Usually, the talent is signed under contracts at a young age and every detail of their lives are managed by the agency. Grueling singing and dance rehearsals, along with the pressures of fame to maintain the idea of perfection has taxing results on the stars. The Internet has plenty of stories on issues with weight management and forced surgery. As a result, many K-Pop stars are dying too soon.
Last year, SHINee member Jonghyun died by suicide at the age of 27. In April 2018, Tany drove into a structure, killing himself and the passenger just after seeing his parents to help resolve personal challenges.
In 2015, aspiring K-Pop singer Ahn So Jin jumped from a building at the age of 22 after suffering from depression when her agency dropped her. U;Nee, yet another K-Pop singer suffering from depression, killed herself in 2007 after dealing with overwhelming, hateful criticism online. The list goes on.
Hopefully, these young people did not die in vain. Maybe there will be less hateful comments online and people will give their flowers while the person is still alive.
If you or anyone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1800-273-TALK or 1800-273-8255. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
