South Korean singer and actor Cha In Ha has been found dead at his home, the third young Korean star to have died suddenly in the past two months.
His talent agency Fantiago issued a statement saying they were heartbroken to confirm the death of the young star.
"We are filled with grief at this news that is still hard to believe."
Fantiago asked the media and fans not to speculate about the cause of his death.
"We earnestly ask for rumours not to be spread, and for speculative reports not to be released in order for his family – who are experiencing great sadness due to the sudden news – to be able to send him away peacefully."
Cha, whose real name is Lee Jae-ho, was a member of the K-pop group Surprise U and had launched an acting career, starring in TV drama Love with Flaws and the 2017 short film, You Deep Inside of Me.
The K-Pop industry was already reeling from the sudden deaths of a former member of group f(x), Sulli, in October and Goo Hara, who was a singer in girl group KARA.
Their sudden deaths sparked debate about the intense scrutiny of K-Pop stars and management agencies' failure to provide mental health support.
Former member of South Korean girl group KARA, Goo Hara, was found dead at age 28. Source: Getty
Sulli has previously spoken about the toll online trolls had taken on her mental health and authorities say she was suffering from severe depression.
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