Three entertainers of Asian descent have passed away within the last week. Taiwanese actor Alien Huang, Japanese actress Sei Ashina and Korean actress Oh In-hye all died at the age of 36.
Huang was discovered unresponsive in his Taipei City apartment in Taiwan early on Wednesday (Sept 16). His cause of death has yet to be announced. With 18 acting credits under his belt, Huang has starred in Tokyo Juliet, Lovestore at the Corner, and Someday or One Day. Born Hung-Sheng Huang, the actor was also a singer in the boy bands HC3 and Cosmo.
Oh In-hye was experiencing a bout with depression before she was found unconscious in her home on Monday (Sept. 14). Her cause of death was cardiac arrest. The actress kicked off her career in 2011 as the character Go Geum-suk in the film Sin of a Family before going on to act in Red Vacance Black Wedding, A Journey with Korean Masters, Secret Travel and Janus: Two Faces of Desire. She would later transition to beauty vlogging, starting her very own YouTube channel. She also would use her spare time to make floral arrangements. Police authorities suspect that In-hye died of cardiac arrest via suicide.
Actress Sei Ashina, real name Igarashi Aya, was also found dead in her home on Monday, with Tokyo police confirming it was by suicide. Her acting career spans nearly two decades and includes mostly TV series credits. She starred in Stand Up!!, Kamn Rider Hibiki, Real Clothes, Daisy Luck and her last series Theseus no Fune.
The deaths of these three young talents are part of a growing number of suspected and apparent suicides that have impacted the Asian entertainment community. More and more young people are being adversely impacted by the recent volatile events of COVID-19 and worldwide protests. Mental health is at risk as a result and many people have no idea what to do when they experience feelings of hopelessness or despair.
Some ways to get help include speaking to a professional counselor or therapist, consulting with a religious or spiritual advisor, and creating an alliance of support that will encourage positive changes in one’s life. The alliance of support can be in the form of a support group, an accountability partner or joining a new recreation. Either way, don’t suffer in silence. You are not alone.
If you or someone you know is thinking of suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention hotline at 1-800-273-8255.
