K-Pop Star Sulli Found Dead at Age 25
The singer and actress was found dead by her manager at her home in Seongnam on Monday afternoon (October 14) local time after he couldn't get in contact with her. According to a CNN report, Sulli is believed to have died in a suspected suicide, however, police are exploring other possibilities. They reportedly also found a notepad at the scene but have yet to analyze its contents.
SM Entertainment, Sulli's agency, issued a statement following her death:
"We apologize for conveying such sad and unfortunate news. Sulli has left our side. We cannot believe the situation now and we are just filled with grief," the statement read. "For her family who is grieving after the sudden news of her passing, we earnestly request that you refrain from writing speculative articles or spreading rumors. We express our deep condolences."
Her former bandmate, Amber Liu, also posted a message on Twitter, writing, "Due to recent events I’ll be putting on hold my upcoming activities. Sorry everyone. Thank you for your thoughts."
Sulli, whose legal name is Choi Jin-ri, started her career as a child star in 2005 before making her singing debut with the girl group f(x) in 2009. She left the band in July 2014 after struggling with online bullying and harassment for years.
She eventually went back to acting and starred in a number of hit Koreans TV shows and films and later resumed her music career in 2018 after a three-year break to release her first solo album, Goblin.
Her sudden death has sent shockwaves through the K-pop fan community.