PHOTOSK-Pop Star Sulli Found Dead In Her Home At 25
K-pop star Sulli has been found dead in her apartment. According to Korean news outlet Yonhap, the 25-year-old, whose real name is Choi Jinri, was discovered in Seongnam, Korea by her agent on Monday, October 14.
According to the report, when Sulli’s agent couldn’t reach her after they last spoke on the phone on Sunday evening, he became concerned and went to her residence.
Though the death is being investigated as a suicide, law enforcement has not ruled out other causes of death. “Choi seemed to have lived alone in the house. It seems that she took her own life but we are also looking into other possibilities,” a police official said.
In another statement, Sulli’s company and management released a statement confirming her death and expressing their grief. "Please refrain from spreading speculative articles or rumors in respect of the bereaved's family who are saddened by the sudden tragedy,” the statement read in part. “We express our deepest condolences to the deceased, who went on their final path."
Though Sulli first stepped into the spotlight as an actress in 2005 on the Korean drama Ballad of Seodong, she made her debut with girl group f(x) in 2009. However, in 2014, the singer took a leave of absence from the group and from the spotlight after suffering from heightened scrutiny and cyberbullying. Sulli developed depression and anxiety as a result of the onslaught of online abuse and the mental stress began to take a physical toll on her body.
“Because she is suffering physically from her ailments and mentally from the malicious and untrue rumors that are spreading about her, Sulli has requested that she take a break from all entertainment activities,” SM explained in a statement at the time. “After careful consideration, the agency has decided to minimize activities and give her a break in respect for her wishes and to protect our artists."
Sulli officially left the group in 2015 in order to pursue a solo career. She made her solo debut with the song “Goblin” earlier this year. Though she was still a target of online vitriol, the Busan native did her best to use her platform to bring awareness to the growing problem of cyberbullying. Most recently, she stopped by the variety show The Night of Hate Comments and spoke candidly about her own experiences. She said during the broadcast, “There are so many unique types of people in this country with so much talent and I feel like they're wasting it by putting their energy into critiquing others like this online.”
Fans took to Twitter and posted poignant tributes to the singer. “Rest in peace Sulli, heaven gained another angel today,” one person wrote. “Know that we love and miss you so much.”
“More than the constant hate she has received, let's remember Sulli more for the things she fought for,” another fan posted. “She's one of the few famous and outspoken Korean figures that openly talks about feminism, mental disorders, and body positivity. A true trailblazer.”
