Top 10 Korean Celebrities That Committed Suicide Along The Line (2024)

In the exciting world of Korean showbiz, achieving fame and success can bring a lot of pressure and hidden challenges. The sad stories of beloved stars fighting their inner struggles shine a light on the not-so-happy side of being famous. Let’s take a closer look at the lives of ten Korean celebrities who, despite their fancy and glamorous appearances, faced and lost battles no one saw.

 

They had to deal with constant judgment from the public, cope with mental health issues, and try to understand the complicated nature of their industry. This journey through their stories reminds us how important it is to show kindness and empathy and provide mental health support in our communities. It’s a powerful lesson that teaches us to be more understanding and supportive, especially when the glitzy world of fame hides personal battles that can be tough to fight alone.

10. Lee Eun Joo

Lee Eun Joo, born in 1980, sadly took her own life in 2005, when she was only 24. She was a famous South Korean actress known for her roles in successful films like “Taegukgi” and “The Scarlet Letter.” Despite her rising stardom, a hidden battle with depression haunted her. Shockingly, it was suggested that her mental health struggles intensified after her involvement in a nude role for “The Scarlet Letter.”

9. Lee Hye Ryeon

U;Nee, born Lee Hye Ryeon in 1981, was a versatile South Korean artist – singer, rapper, dancer, and actress. Tragically, she committed suicide in 2007 at just 25 years old. U;Nee faced a challenging childhood due to the early death of her father and being born to an unwed mother. Despite her popularity, especially after her second album “Call Call Call,” U;Nee battled depression, exacerbated by cyberbullying regarding plastic surgery rumors.

8. Jeong Da Bin

Jeong Da Bin, a South Korean actress born in 1980, took her own life in 2007 at the age of 26. Found hanging in her boyfriend’s bathroom, speculations arose about her inability to cope with the stress of a declining career and online attacks targeting her appearance. Her Cyworld blog entries, expressing feelings of losing identity and dying, hinted at her struggle with depression.

7. Choi Jin Sil

Choi Jin Sil, born in 1968, was once hailed as “The Nation’s Actress” in South Korea for her prolific career in films and dramas. Despite her success, her life was marred by tragedy. In 1994, Choi witnessed the murder of her former manager, leading to rumors and speculation about their relationship. Additionally, she endured domestic violence until her divorce in 2004. The incessant online gossip and societal pressure of being a “single, working, divorced mom” contributed to her decision to end her life in 2008.

6. Kim Daul

Kim Daul, a South Korean model and blogger, tragically took her own life in 2009 at the young age of 20. Known for her appearances in renowned magazines and a South Korean series, Kim struggled with loneliness, insomnia, and depression, unable to cope with the demanding fashion industry. Her blog posts revealed a distressed state of mind, describing herself as “mad, depressed, and overworked.”

5. Jang Ja Yeon

Jang Ja Yeon, a South Korean actress famous for her role in “Boys Over Flowers,” ended her life in 2009 at the age of 29. Struggling with depression, her suicide note exposed a harrowing tale of physical and sexual abuse by influential figures in the entertainment industry. The tragic circumstances surrounding her death raised questions about the dark side of the entertainment world.

4. Kim Jonghyun

Kim Jonghyun, the lead singer of the Korean boyband SHINee, took his own life in 2017 at the age of 27. Battling depression throughout his showbiz career, Jonghyun’s suicide note reflected the consuming nature of his mental health struggles. His untimely death shed light on the challenges faced by celebrities in maintaining mental well-being.

3. Mi Seon

Mi Seon, a South Korean actress celebrated for her achievements in the entertainment industry, garnered numerous accolades, particularly for her standout performances in Hwang Jini, Hide and Seek, and The Return of Hwang Geum-bok. Unfortunately, in June 2019, she was discovered deceased in what appeared to be a suicide. Law enforcement inquiries indicated that Jeon was profoundly impacted by her mother’s illness and the loss of one of her relatives. Additionally, her agency verified that the actress had been grappling with depression.

2. Park Ji-sun

 

Park Ji-sun, a well-known South Korean comedian, was discovered dead at her residence in November 2020 alongside her mother, indicating a potential double suicide. The comedian was undergoing treatment for an unspecified illness, and the Seoul Shinmun newspaper reported that a police officer mentioned there were no signs of external intrusion or foul play. While the exact reasons for their deaths remain unclear, authorities suspect that both the comedian and her mother took their own lives. Concerned about their well-being, Park’s father contacted the police when they did not respond to phone calls.

Park, a graduate of Korea University, where she studied education, endeared herself to audiences with her relatable and self-deprecating humor. Often portraying a woman facing repeated rejections on dates, she once remarked in an interview with the Hankyoreh newspaper, “I am fortunate as a comedian that I can use my face to make people laugh.”

1 Moon Bin

Moonbin, a 25-year-old singer, actor, dancer, and model widely recognized as a member of the boy band Astro and its sub-unit Moonbin and Sanha, was found dead in his home in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, on April 19. Sadly, his manager discovered him at 8:10 p.m., and it is suspected to be a suicide. The discovery was prompted by his absence from rehearsals.

 

Born as Moon Bin, he was an original member of Astro, making his debut in 2016 with five other singers. When he passed away, Fantagio Music, Astro’s record label, expressed that the South Korean star had suddenly left them and become a star in the sky. Moonbin, who also happened to be the older brother of K-pop girl group star Moon Sua from Billie, took a break in 2019 due to health-related issues but returned in 2020 to perform with the group.

His untimely death reignited discussions about the mental health crisis in South Korea, a country grappling with one of the highest suicide rates globally, where a staggering 95 percent of its citizens report feeling stressed.

Conclusion

As we think about the lives of these ten Korean celebrities, it’s clear that trying to become famous can be tough. Their stories show us how important it is to talk more about mental health and stop thinking it’s something to be ashamed of. With all the pressures from society, online bullying, and the high expectations of the entertainment world, it’s super important for us to support each other.

 

Let’s use the stories of these celebs to make things better—to ask for a world where it’s okay to ask for help, where being kind is more important than being judgmental, and where bright fame doesn’t make us forget about the happiness of those who make us happy. Their stories should not just be a sad memory but also a strong message for a world that cares and understands better.

Please Note:

Some resources that can provide support and information about suicide prevention are:

If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please reach out for help. You are not alone.