According to the Mirror in the UK, Jonghyun, the lead singer from the Korean boy band SHINee, was found dead in an apparent suicide after being bullied online for speaking up in support of LBGTQ rights. The attacks seemingly came from the extreme right and were very personal in nature. He was 27 years old.
Over the years, Jonghyun had a history of speaking out in support of other bullied gay youth, including a well publicized incident in 2013 where he came out in support of a bullied transgender student.
His body was found when his sister, afraid for his safety, called the police and his body was discovered. It was an apparent suicide caused by carbon monoxide poisoning. You can read the full Mirror article here: Korean Superstar Dead – Full Mirror Article
SHINee was one of my favourite bands in college. I loved their music so much. I wasn’t aware that Jonghyun had consistently stood up for people like us until the news of his passing came out, but he really is a hero.
Coming from a culture in which our people are violently persecuted, it takes a great deal of bravery for someone to stand up for someone else. I admire him all he more, as an artist, as an ally, as a human being.
So sad that a person’s support for a community is shater by extreme hatred from others. This is 2018 people! Let’s co-exhist!! RIP Jonghyun!