From K-pop star Moonbin to actor Lee Sun-kyun, 2023 brought sadness to the Korean entertainment industry and fans around the world due to the death of celebrities.
Actress Jung Chae-yul
On April 11, Korean actress and model Jung Chae-yul was found dead at her home. She was 26.
Actress Jung Chae-yul (Instagram)
Jung Chae-yul debuted as a model under ESteem Entertainment in 2015 and debuted as an actor in 2018 in the movie “Deep.” She appeared in the 2020 Netflix film “Time to Hunt” starring Lee Je-hoon , Ahn Jae-hong , Choi Woo-shik , Park Jung-min and Park Hae-soo. She also appeared in the dramas “Zombie Detective” and “I Have Not Done My Best.” She was filming the drama “Wedding Impossible” when she passed away.
K-pop star Moonbin
The Korean entertainment industry was shocked when Moonbin, a member of K-pop boy band ASTRO, passed away on April 19.
According to the Seoul Gangnam Police Station, Moonbin was found dead at his home in Gangnam, Seoul at about 8:10 p,m. by his manager who reported it to the police.
K-pop star Moonbin (X)
ASTRO’s agency Fantagio confirmed the news, saying “On April 19, ASTRO member Moonbin suddenly left us and became a star in the sky. Although it cannot be compared to the grief of the bereaved family who lost their beloved son and brother, the ASTRO members who have been with us for a long time, as well as our fellow Fantagio artists and staff, are deeply mourning the deceased in great sadness and shock.” His funeral was held on April 22.
Moonbin was the brother of Moon Sua, a member of the K-pop girl group Billlie.
Born in 1998, Moonbin started in the entertainment industry at a young age, working as a children’s wear model. He appeared in the music video of TVXQ’s “Balloons,” which was released in 2006. He appeared in the 2009 hit drama “Boys Over Flowers,” playing the role of the young Kim Bum.
Moonbin, Cha Eun-woo, Sanha, MJ, Rocky and Jinjin debuted in ASTRO in February 2016 with the album“Spring Up.”
In September 2020, ASTRO’s unit Moonbin & Sanha debuted with the album “In-Out.” Last March 25, Moonbin and Sanaha held the “Diffusion” fan concert in Manila. .
During their “Diffusion” show in Manila, Moonbin said, ““If we can get the chance in the future, if you would call us once again, we will make sure to come back. Until that day, I hope everyone will remain healthy,” Moonbin added.
Veteran singer Hyunmi
Veteran singer Hyunmi passed away on April 4. She was found collapsed at her home in Yongsan, Seoul by her fan club president. She was taken to a hospital but was pronounced dead. She was 85.
Singer Hyunmi (Screenshot from Yonhap News video on YouTube)
She started her career in showbiz in 1957 as a sword dancer and eventually became a singer.
“Korea’s Got Talent” sensation Choi Sung-bong
Korean singer Choi Sung-bong rose to worldwide fame in 2011 for his powerful rendition of “Nella Fantasia” on the TV show “Korea’s Got Talent.” He was found dead at his home in Gangnam, Seoul on June 20. He was 33.
Singer Choi Sung-bong (Screenshot from ENM CJ video and photo from Facebook)
They believed that he committed suicide based on the situation at his home and a suicide note dated June 17 that was posted on his YouTube account on June 20.
After performing on “Korea’s Got Talent,” Choi Sung-bong was hailed by world media as the next Susan Boyle.
He appeared in the first episode of the show on June 4, 2011, sporting a bowl haircut and flannel long sleeve shirt. Some of the audience laughed when he revealed that his job was a manual worker.
Actress Song Yoon-ah was curious why Choi didn’t put anything on the “family” part of his application. Choi said he was left in an orphanage when he was three years old but he ran away when he was five because he experienced beatings from the people in the institution. Choi said he lived by selling gum and energy drinks on the street, which went on for 10 years. He said he would sleep in public toilets or stairs like a fly.
Comedian Lee Ji-su
Comedian Lee Ji-su passed away on July 6. He was 30. Before his death, he was hospitalized with a high fever, and was diagnosed with urinary tract infection and nephritis. After being discharged on July 4, he returned to his home and lost contact with his family. He was found dead in his home.
Lee Ji-su (Instagram)
Comedian Seo Se-won
Comedian and businessman Seo Se-won passed away in Cambodia on April 20. He was 67. According to a report by MBC True On on YouTube, the official cause of death was "cardiac arrest due to diabetes."
Comedian Seo Se-won (Screenshot from MBC True On video on YouTube)
Actors Byun Hee-bong and Noh Young-guk
Veteran actors Byun Hee-bong and Noh Young-guk died on the same day on Sept. 18.
Byun Hee-bong, born on June 8, 1942, died after battling pancreatic cancer. He was 81. After undergoing treatment, he continued to work. However, the cancer recurred and his health deteriorated. His last drama project was the 2019 OCN series “Trap.”
Actors Byun Hee-bong (left) and Noh Young-guk (Screenshot from KBS1 video)
Noh Young-guk died of a heart attack on Sept. 18. He was 74.
Born on Dec. 23, 1948, Noh Young-guk’s last drama project was the 2023 “Live Your Own Life” starring Uee, Ha Jun, and Go Joo-won. Noh Young-guk died two days after the drama aired its first episode.
Singer-songwriter Nahee
Korean singer-songwriter Nahee (real name Kim Na-hee) passed away on Nov. 8. She was 24. Nahee debuted in 2019 with the single “Blue City” and had other songs across a variety of genres including ballad and pop, Korean media reported.
Nahee (Instagram)
Nahee also participated in writing lyrics and composing songs. After her debut, Nahee released other songs including “Gloomy Day,” “Blue Night” and “Love Note.”
Last July, Nahee released the song “Rose.” Her cause of death was not disclosed. Her last Instagram post was on Nov. 7 or a day before she passed away.
Actor Lee Sun-kyun
Actor Lee Sun-kyun, known for starring in the Oscar-winning film “Parasite” and Korean drama “Coffee Prince,” passed away on Dec. 27. He was 48.
Actor Lee Sun-kyun (Instagram)
He was found dead in his car parked near the Waryong Park in Jongno, Seoul. He died in an apparent suicide with charcoal briquette found in the front passenger seat, Korean news outlet Yonhap News reported. Burning charcoal briquette in an enclosed space can cause carbon monoxide poisoning and death.
Before his death, Lee Sun-kyun was being investigated for alleged illegal drug use since October. He underwent 19 hours of police questioning on Dec. 23.
His funeral was held on Dec. 29. He is survived by his wife, actress Jeon Hye-jin, and two sons.