Jonghyun of South Korean pop group SHINee died on Monday in a possible suicide, Variety noted.
The 27-year-old lead singer, whose real name is Kim Jong-hyun, was found unconscious at an apartment in Seoul after his sister reported to police that he was behaving erratically.
He was taken to a nearby hospital but later pronounced dead. SM Entertainment, the band's management agency, confirmed Jonghyun's death in a statement.
"Jonghyun was the best artist, who loved music more than anyone else and always did his best for his performances," said the agency, per Soompi. "We are even more heartbroken to have to convey this sad news to the fans who have loved Jonghyun."
While authorities said they have not yet determined a cause of death, the Daily Mail reported that the singer may have killed himself with carbon monoxide.
Burned coal briquettes, which produce carbon monoxide, were found in a frying pan in Jonghyun's hotel room, The Associated Press reported.
A series of distressing texts were sent to his sister not long before his death.
"I've had a hard time. Please let me go and say that I did a good job. This is my last word," said one message, according to Variety.
Another one read, "Final farewell," the AP noted.
SHINee formed in 2008 and shot to fame in South Korea, thrusting Jonghyun into the limelight as the boy band's lead vocalist, the AP noted.
He forged a successful career with the band and as a solo performer, touring across the country and playing to hordes of fans. His death left thousands in mourning.
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