'Hard to believe': K-pop star Cha In Ha found dead aged 27
K-pop star Cha In Ha has been found dead at the age of 27, the third young Korean star to die in two months.
The South Korean actor’s agency Fantagio has confirmed his body was found at his home on Tuesday.
"We feel devastated to deliver such heartbreaking and unfortunate news,” Fantiago told K-pop culture website soompi.com in a statement.
"On December 3, actor Cha In Ha left our sides. We are truly heartbroken to deliver sad news to everyone who has sent lots of love and support to Cha In Ha until now.
"We are filled with grief at this news that is still hard to believe.”
The agency asked for the public to avoid spreading rumours to allow his family to grieve and “send him away peacefully”.
He was a member of K-pop group Surprise U.
Cha made his acting debut in 2017 short film You, Deep Inside of Me. He went on to star in web drama Miss Independent Jieun 2 as well as TV shows Degree of Love and The Banker.
His latest project, drama Love With Flaws, premiered on 27 November.
Ha is the third K-pop star to be found dead in the last three months. South Korean pop star and actress Sulli was found dead aged 25 in October, shortly after leaving a note that hinted she had been suffering from depression.
Last month, 27-year-old K-pop star Goo Hara was found dead at her home in Seoul. Police reported she left “pessimistic” note on her living room table.
Stars of the K-pop industry experience meteoric rises to fame, but also extreme pressures and harsh criticism from their own fans on social media.
Sulli had openly discussed facing cyberbullying and mental health struggles in an interview shortly before her death, saying that she had been "lying to everyone by pretending to be happy”.
According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, South Korea has consistently had one of the highest suicide rates among developed countries, prompting its government to take steps to tackle the issue.
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Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636, Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467.
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