Remembering Actors, Actresses & Singers Gone Too Soon

• Born: October 21, 1981 

• Died: March 26, 2026 (aged 44 )

The police investigation ruled out foul play but the exact cause of death will not be disclosed as per the family's request

• Born: April 10, 1986 

• Died: February 11, 2026 (aged 39 )

The exact cause of death was not revealed per the family's request, but police did not suspect any foul play.

• Born: February 17, 1957

• Died: May 27, 2025 (aged 68)
  

He suffered from anxiety, panic disorder and depression, but the exact cause of death has not been revealed.

• Born: February 5, 1982

• Died: March 10, 2025 (aged 43)

Authorities began an investigation as they believe a significant amount of time passed before he was found and are considering the possibility of an overdose or suicide.

• Born: July 31, 2000

• Died: February 16, 2025 (aged 24)

She was deeply affected by scathing messages posted on social media that exposed parts of her private life. Kim was found dead by a friend. Her death was ruled a suicide.

• Born: February 18, 1985

• Died: November 12, 2024 (aged 39)

Found dead at his home; police ruled out foul play. Cause of death not publicly disclosed.

• Born: March  2, 1975

• Died: December 27, 2023 (aged 48)
  

Death officially ruled suicide. Lee's death came amidst multiple suspected suicides among South Korean celebrities, and an analysis article by CNN said it cast a spotlight on the high-pressure environment in South Korea's entertainment industry.
Following Lee's death, a woman was arrested following allegations she had blackmailed him.

• Born: December  3, 1993

• Died: May 12, 2023 (aged 29)

The police found her dead on her dormitory alongside a suicide note.

• Born: January 26, 1998

• Died: April 19, 2023 (aged 25)

The police investigation ruled out any foul play. Cause not publicly disclosed, widely believed suicide but not officially confirmed.

• Born: September  4, 1996

• Died: April 11, 2023 (aged 26)

Police stated no signs of foul play, and her death has generally been reported as a suspected suicide, though her family did not publicly confirm details.

• Born: May 3, 1995

• Died: August 29, 2022 (aged 27)

Her brother published a suicide note and her obituary and announced her passing.

• Born: March 16, 1992

• Died: January 5, 2022 (aged 29)

The cause of death was never revealed per the family's request.

• Born: October 1, 1986

• Died: December 18, 2021 (aged 35)

Kanda died in December 2021 in Sapporo after a fall from a hotel building; authorities investigated the case as a possible suicide. Her sudden death shocked Japan’s entertainment industry. She is remembered for her warm voice, musical range, and contributions to Japanese dubbing and stage performance.

• Born: July 28, 1978

• Died: February 3, 2021 (aged 43)

Liver cancer.

• Born: April 1, 1980

• Died: September 27, 2020 (aged 40)
  

She had recently become a mother again and was considered one of Japan’s top actresses.

• Born: November 28, 1983

• Died: September 16, 2020 (aged 36)
  

Accidental fall at home.

• Born: January  4, 1984

• Died: September 14, 2020 (aged 36)

Police reports stated that a friend discovered her body and immediately called for an ambulance, describing the situation as a possible suicide attempt. The autopsy confirmed her death as a suicide.

• Born: November 22, 1983

• Died: September 14, 2020 (aged 36)
  

Another loss during the same year that saw multiple Japanese celebrity suicides.

• Born: April 5, 1990

• Died: July 18, 2020 (aged 30)

Authorities have declared his death a suicide caused by depression.

• Born: July 15, 1992

• Died: December  3, 2019 (aged 27)

The exact cause of death has never been revealed.

• Born: September 22, 1984

• Died: November 27, 2019 (aged 35)

Sudden death during intense filming conditions.

• Born: January  3, 1991

• Died: November 24, 2019 (aged 28)

The investigation ruled her death a suicide. Leading to her death, she experienced multiple traumatic events: a long and contentious legal battle with her ex-boyfriend, Choi Jong-Bum, who assaulted her in September 2018 and threatened to release a sex video of them; a constant state of harassment from part of the South Korean public, aimed at making K-pop idols conform to a strict moral code; and, the suicide of her close friend Sulli, who suffered similar public scrutiny a month prior to her own death.

• Born: March 29, 1994

• Died: October 14, 2019 (aged 25)
  

Dear Jinri, a documentary film structured around Sulli's final interview that was shot during the production of Persona shortly before her death, premiered at the 28th Busan International Film Festival on October 7, 2023. The film was released worldwide by Netflix that November, serving as the second episode of Persona: Sulli.

• Born: December 7, 1970

• Died: June 29, 2019 (aged 48) 

Police investigation ruled out foul play and determined her death as a suicide, but dispensed the autopsy due to the family's request.

• Born: March  2, 1984

• Died: January 21, 2018 (aged 33)

Without any job opportunities and mired in depression, he was found dead at his home.

• Born: April  8, 1990

• Died: December 18, 2017 (aged 27)
  

The SHINY FOUNDATION (재단법인 빛이나) was established September 16, 2018 in honor of the late artist Kim Jong Hyun of SHINee. This foundation was created to comfort and support young cultural artists – it offers assistance to those young and struggling artist without the backing of an agency. 

• Their YouTube channel: @shiny90408

• Their Instagram: shiny90408

• Born: October 15, 1987

• Died: September 16, 2016 (aged 28)
  

Reportedly struggling with depression.

• Born: September 17, 1987

• Died: July 18, 2015 (aged 27)
  

Despite her success, Yang was open about her long struggle with depression. Yang’s death sparked a national conversation about mental health awareness in Taiwan’s entertainment sector.

• Born: May  5, 1973

• Died: December 12, 2013 (aged 40)

In 2009, he was sentenced to 10 months in prison (suspended for 2 years) and fined after he was arrested for possession and consumption of ecstasy. He was banned by MBC and other networks and never returned to TV. He began suffering from severe depression and had to take medication for it.

• Born: October 27, 1966

• Died: April 25, 2011 (aged 44)

His death was widely reported in Japan and prompted tributes from colleagues and fans. Though not a celebrity of flamboyant fame, he left a lasting impression through steady craftsmanship and authentic portrayals that reflected everyday Japanese life onscreen.

• Born: August 12, 1977

• Died: June 30, 2010 (aged 32)

The police investigated and ruled out foul play, establishing the cause of death as suicide. He was under pressure due to his rapid popularity and also dealing with news of his father's cancer diagnosis.

• Born: November 17, 1970

• Died: March 29, 2010 (aged 39)

Police investigation determined his death as a suicide.

• Born: May 24, 1983

• Died: April 27, 2009 (aged 25)

She committed suicide, and the police investigation and autopsy confirmed it as the cause of death.

• Born: December  8, 1982

• Died: March  7, 2009 (aged 29)

Her case inspired the 2013 film Norigae.

• Born: July 11, 1985

• Died: October 6, 2008 (aged 23)

He was seen as a possible rising star in the entertainment industry, but all changed in April 2008 when he came out publicly as a gay man. He fell into depression and loneliness as he was rejected by most of his colleagues.

• Born: June  8, 1972

• Died: August 22, 2008 (aged 36)

A police investigation concluded no foul play was involved and ruled his death a suicide.

• Born: March 4, 1980

• Died: February 10, 2007 (aged 26)

As her family suspected foul play from the boyfriend, they requested an investigation, but the autopsy established her death as a definitive suicide.

• Born: November 13, 1978

• Died: January 28, 2007 (aged 46)

Died following a traffic accident in January 2007, cutting short a promising career. One of Taiwan’s most widely mourned entertainment deaths of the 2000s.

• Born: May  3, 1981

• Died: January 21, 2007 (aged 25)

The anti-fans never stopped harassing her, and her appearances in several variety shows did not help change the public's perception, even being criticized by other singers or hosts on air just for "fun". The depression and anxiety due to the hate she received were too much to handle. On January 21, 2007, she committed suicide.

• Born: April 30, 1946

• Died: May 1, 2005 (aged 59)
  

Depression and personal/financial problems.

• Born: December 22, 1980

• Died: February 22, 2005 (aged 24)

Just a few days after graduating from university, she committed suicide.

• Born: September 12, 1956

• Died: April 1, 2003 (aged 46)

Openly acknowledging his long-term relationship with Daffy Tong, Cheung became one of the first major Asian stars to come out as gay, earning respect as a queer trailblazer. Struggling with depression, he died by suicide.

• Born: August 22, 1967

• Died: April 8, 1986 (aged 18)

Okada died by suicide after a series of personal and emotional struggles. Her sudden death shocked Japan and led to widespread mourning. Media coverage of her death was intense, and the wave of copycat suicides that followed became known as “Yukko Syndrome,” highlighting concerns about the psychological pressures of idol culture.