The pressure of K-Pop: Idols who lost their lives to bullying and fame
When the spotlight becomes too bright
SHAH ALAM - Over the years, the K-pop industry faced increasing scrutiny over the immense pressures its idols endured, with several tragically succumbing to these struggles.
Fame, constant public scrutiny, cyberbullying, and the overwhelming demands of the entertainment industry took a heavy toll on prominent figures, leading to a series of high-profile suicides that shook fans worldwide.
These heartbreaking losses sparked widespread conversations about mental health, cyberbullying, and the demanding nature of being a K-pop idol.
Below are some of the most tragic losses in the industry.
Sulli (Choi Jin-ri)
One of the most prominent and tragic losses in K-pop was Sulli, also known as Choi Jin-ri.
A former member of the girl group f(x), Sulli was known for her talents as a singer and actress, as well as her outspoken views on mental health and feminism—topics often considered taboo in South Korean society.
Sulli frequently advocated for women's rights, including the "no bra" movement, which drew the ire of many conservative fans.
Unfortunately, her outspokenness made her the target of relentless cyberbullying and public scrutiny.
Despite her efforts to highlight issues like mental health, the backlash she faced intensified.
Sulli battled severe depression for years, and in October 2019, she was found dead in her apartment.
Her death highlighted the darker side of the K-pop world and raised serious concerns about the industry's impact on mental health and the toxic culture of online harassment.
Goo Hara
Just weeks after Sulli's death, the K-pop industry suffered another devastating loss with the passing of Goo Hara, a former member of the girl group Kara.
Goo Hara experienced a tumultuous life, particularly after a high-profile legal battle with her ex-boyfriend, who blackmailed her with intimate footage and physically assaulted her.
This incident not only devastated her personal life but also subjected her to significant public scrutiny.
Despite her efforts to move past the trauma and continue her career, the overwhelming pressure became too much.
Goo Hara had previously attempted suicide but was rescued in time. Sadly, in November 2019, just weeks after Sulli's passing, Goo Hara was found dead in her apartment, leaving fans grieving another young life lost to the pressures of fame.
Her death reignited calls for better protection of idols, stricter laws against revenge porn, and increased focus on mental health.
Kim Jong-hyun
Jonghyun, the lead vocalist of SHINee and a beloved figure in the K-pop world, passed away in December 2017, sending shockwaves through the global fanbase.
Known for his powerful vocals and emotional songwriting, Jonghyun was a beacon of talent and success.
However, behind the scenes, he had struggled with depression for years. In his suicide note, made public by a close friend, Jonghyun revealed the overwhelming pressure he felt as an idol and his ongoing battle with self-worth.
"I was broken from the inside," he wrote, shedding light on the mental strain that fame had placed on him.
His death revealed the hidden mental health struggles faced by K-pop idols, despite their seemingly glamorous lives.
Jonghyun's passing prompted widespread calls for better mental health support within the entertainment industry.
Moon Bin
In April 2023, the K-pop world faced another tragic loss with the death of Moon Bin, a member of the boy group Astro.
Moon Bin had been in the entertainment industry from a young age, starting as a child actor before transitioning into K-pop.
Known for his infectious energy and charisma on stage, Moon Bin's sudden death shocked both fans and fellow artists.
Although the exact cause of his death remained unclear, early reports suggested that Moon Bin may have taken his own life, pointing once again to the extreme pressures idols faced behind closed doors.
Moon Bin's death led to renewed discussions about the demanding schedules, harsh criticisms, and mental health challenges that idols experienced, highlighting the need for more comprehensive mental health care in the entertainment industry.
Other tragic losses in the K-pop industry
In addition to these idols, the K-pop industry saw several other heartbreaking losses, including Ahn So-jin, a trainee who was set to debut with Kara but died by suicide in 2015.
Ahn's death highlighted the immense pressure faced by trainees who were yet to achieve the fame experienced by established idols.
Similarly, former 100% member Seo Min-woo died in 2018 at just 33, reportedly from cardiac arrest, although many speculated that the stresses of his career contributed to his untimely passing.
These incidents reflect the broader, systemic issues within the industry.
The repeated tragedies in the K-pop industry ignited a larger conversation about mental health, cyberbullying, and the toxic environment in which many idols found themselves.
Fans, celebrities, and even government officials called for stronger mental health support for idols and stricter regulations on cyberbullying.
While some agencies began implementing measures to protect their artists, such as providing mental health services, many argued that more needed to be done to prevent further tragedies.
