Founding member of the "Princes of K-pop" band Shinee, Kim Jonghyun has died at age 27. At this time it is unknown whether the K-pop star took his own life, but confirmation is expected. Jonghyun had just done 2 triumphant performances as a solo artist on Dec. 9 and 10 in Seoul Olympic Park at the SK Olympic Handball Stadium. It is now Dec. 19 in Korea, where his unconscious body was rushed to the hospital the night of Monday, Dec. 18. He had texted his sister, "I've had a hard time. Please let me go and say that I did a good job. This is my last word."
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Based on his sister's concern, police rushed to the star's apartment in the Gangnam district and discovered him unconscious at 6:10 p.m. Reports reveal he died of cardiac arrest once he had been taken to the hospital and was under treatment. Carbon monoxide from a charcoal heater remains a possible cause of death.
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Further details are still being reported including widespread mourning and memories. 2017 has been a year in which suicide has confronted the music community several times, with the most obvious examples of Chris Cornell and Chester Bennington. Though the international music community mourns the loss of such a bright young talent, fans and friends can certainly say "Good job, Jonghyun!" on the years of music and the many positive messages left behind.
