South Korean K-pop star Goo Hara was found dead in her home in Seoul on Sunday (Nov 24), shocking K-Pop fans all over the world.
The cause of death is still under investigation, and the police have not yet filed an official report.
Died six months after suicide attempt
Just six months ago, Hara’s manager found her unconscious at her home, in what many suspect was as a suicide attempt.
She left behind a short but cryptic message on her Instagram shortly before she was found unconscious, with the word “Goodbye”.
Some of her comments on Instagram stories earlier this year also raised concerns about her mental health. In one story, she said, “After living all those years with suppression, I look fine on the outside, but it feels as if I am starting to break into pieces inside”.
Once she recovered, the singer apologised to fans for causing “concerns and a commotion”. She added that she was in “agony over a number of overlapping issues.”
Ex-boyfriend allegedly threatened to release sex tape last year
One of the many issues she faced was a legal battle last year with her ex-boyfriend, Choi Jong Bum, who she claimed threatened to release sex tapes the pair had made after an altercation in their home.
Choi had drunkenly attacked Hara in bed after shaking her awake. He then screamed at her before assaulting her again.
Hara fought back in self-defence, and when Choi realized he had marks on his face, he threatened to release their sex tape to the media so it would be to “impossible for her to pursue an entertainment career.”
Choi was not found guilty of the revenge porn accusation, but he was found guilty by the court of intimidation, assault, coercion, and property damage.
According to ABC News, this court case made Hara the subject of “tabloid fodder and malicious online messages”.
Mental health of K-pop stars a growing concern
After Hara’s reported suicide attempt in May, many raised concerns about the mental and physical well-being of K-pop stars.
They argued that the industry and its fans place a lot of pressure on its stars, which could have negative effects on their mental health.
Brian Joo, a former K-pop star, said that “exploitative and strict studio contracts… trap young performers and closely regulate their private behavior, dating life, and public conduct”.
He added that he was subjected to online harassment himself.
Just five months after Hara’s suicide attempt, Sulli, another K-Pop star, was found dead in her apartment after she reportedly committed suicide.
Sulli complained of cyber-bullying before her death in October, which triggered an “intense depression”.
Jonghyun of K-pop group Shinee, also committed suicide in 2017 as he too reportedly suffered from depression.
The details of Hara’s death are unclear at the moment, but her suicide attempt in May and her concerning comments on Instagram once again raise questions about the demanding K-pop industry and the toll it takes on its stars.
Goody Feed extends its deepest condolences to Hara’s family and we hope that they can pull through this troubling period.
Here’s a simplified summary of the South Korea martial law that even a 5-year-old would understand:
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