K-Pop Star Goo Hara Dead at 28

[puffin]

https://variety.com/2019/music/asia/k-pop-star-koo-hara-dead-dies-1203414712/

K-pop star Goo Hara was found dead on Sunday at her home in Seoul, South Korea. She was 28.

Goo, real name Goo Ha-ra, and also known under the single name Hara, was a former member of the five-part girl group Kara from 2008 to 2015. After that she launched a solo music career, and also accumulated a number of film and TV roles.

The cause of her death is currently unclear. The police have not yet made official report about her death, nor have they confirmed if Goo died by suicide.

But it is known that she attempted suicide in March this year after an ex-boyfriend attempted to blackmail her with threats of assault and the release of a sex video. Amid the dispute, Goo’s agency terminated her contract.

In June, she signed a new contract with leading talent management agency Production Ogi in Japan, where Kara had enjoyed huge popularity. Under Ogi, Goo appeared on TV shows and major fashion events in Japan. She also released a solo Japanese single “Midnight Queen” on Nov. 13.

It is also known that she was one of the closest friends of the singer-actress Sulli, who died by suicide in October. At the time, Goo said in tears that she was okay and would keep working even harder during her Instagram live session.

Since the late 1990s, there has been a succession of deaths among young K-pop talent. Many have complained of depression, while others have indicated more concrete signs of a highly toxic industry that, behind the glamorous and shiny exterior, tramples on human dignity.

In 2009, actress Jang Ja-yeon died by suicide, leaving a note claiming that she had been sexually abused by powerful figures in the entertainment industry. Others suffered depression due to online criticism about their appearances, personality and their private lifestyles. The most recent case was Sulli, who died by suicide in October The outspoken star had often found herself the target of cyber-bullying.

 

[kgmspa]

Proof that money isn't everything

 

[East Lake II]

Very sad. The industry isn’t what she and others thought it would be “others have indicated more concrete signs of a highly toxic industry that, behind the glamorous and shiny exterior, tramples on human dignity.” A Highly Toxic Industry, that alone is depressing.

 

[Koondog]

Young, beautiful, and wealthy...what could possibly be so bad in your life to end it all? Amazing. If the business sucked so bad, leave it and live out your life quietly in anomynity.

 

[puffin]

Young, beautiful, and wealthy...what could possibly be so bad in your life to end it all? Amazing. If the business sucked so bad, leave it and live out your life quietly in anomynity.

If your entire life you dream of becoming a pop star, and someone says hey why not ditch it all, take a 99% pay cut and sell macrame on eBay, how easy would it be to accept that? Look at L'Wren Scott, who couldn't handle trying to keep up with Mick Jagger socially, being one of his many fuck partners.

 

[Koondog]

Don't know, but I think if I had FU money in the bank and could live off that for the rest of my life---I could easily find ways to fill my days HAPPILY no matter if I had to give up whatever I was doing prior in my life.

 

[Erotes]

The grass is always greener on the other side

Don't know, but I think if I had FU money in the bank and could live off that for the rest of my life---I could easily find ways to fill my days HAPPILY no matter if I had to give up whatever I was doing prior in my life.

 

[puffin]

Don't know, but I think if I had FU money in the bank and could live off that for the rest of my life---I could easily find ways to fill my days HAPPILY no matter if I had to give up whatever I was doing prior in my life.

You could, and you are lucky to know that for certain. I'm not certain of it for myself. Two hundred years ago it was not a big deal for the entire human population to live without electricity or hot and cold running water (ok, royalty may have had hot and cold running water), yet to have that and give it up would not be easy for me. Having and losing is very difficult.

 

[krideynyc]

A Highly Toxic Industry, that alone is depressing.

As mentioned in the other Goo Hara discussion, one of the biggest scandals to hit Korea this past Spring was the rampant sexual harassment faced by these K-Pop stars. With many having been sexually abused. Compounded by a culture that punishes those that dared to speak out. Her passing, if ruled a suicide, so quickly after Sulli's suicide last month, hopefully will force changes to the industry.

 

[VJLUTZ]

A Highly Toxic Industry, that alone is depressing.

Lots of jobs are "toxic" (physically, mentally or both) and they pay a whole lot less. I know a guy who gradually lost most of the fingers on one hand from operating industrial machinery. I know other people who burned out and lost their families thanks to their demanding careers. It's unfortunate, but also a voluntary choice they made (vs. doing something else). In this case, the K-Pop stars could have walked away, but they wanted the wealth, fame and glamour. Yeah, there are predators out there, but it's a quid-pro-quo. That's why many of the famous victims of Weinstein (who kept silent about his antics while he made them A-list stars) do not garner a lot of sympathy from me.

As @Koondog says, if you get your FU money, you can walk away and find some peace. If you choose not to, it's on you. Plenty of people in this country (world) are wage and debt slaves and have no choice but to get up in the morning and do their fucking jobs in silent desperation.

 

[puffin]

Jeesh, a young lady kills herself and the response is tough shit lady, other people have it worse. As if anyone was asking for money. Sympathetic thoughts are free to give and still there are those who begrudge them.

 

[VJLUTZ]

Jeesh, a young lady kills herself and the response is tough shit lady, other people have it worse. As if anyone was asking for money. Sympathetic thoughts are free to give and still there are those who begrudge them.

Well, it is always tragic when someone kills themselves. No one is saying otherwise. But there are lots of people with heavy crosses to bear and almost no (or no) resources who make due and soldier on. And no adoring fans to give a shit about their plight.

You probably recall when Heath Ledger offed himself, supposedly due to the psychic scars of playing "The Joker" (or at least that was the story). On one hand it was a tragic waste as the guy was very talented and still young. On the other hand, it was ridiculous as it was only a make believe role. Part of me wonders if these high-profile entertainer suicides aren't part of some kind of twisted play for martyrdom and adoration. Because stars who die before their time are often considered legends (e.g., James Dean, Marilyn Monroe, etc.).

 

[Erotes]

Part of me wonders if these high-profile entertainer suicides aren't part of some kind of twisted play for martyrdom and adoration. Because stars who die before their time are often considered legends (e.g., James Dean, Marilyn Monroe, etc.).

Depression is the more likely culprit, no?

 

[TGBeldin]

Jeesh, a young lady kills herself and the response is tough shit lady, other people have it worse. As if anyone was asking for money. Sympathetic thoughts are free to give and still there are those who begrudge them.

Read through posts here for a while a d you will realize there are a lot of calous people on here.

Not sure what part is the cause and what is the effect, but sympathy is not the sentement found here very often.

 

[kgmspa]

The mistake she made was killing herself. That is calous.

 

[Schecter42]

Well, it is always tragic when someone kills themselves. No one is saying otherwise. But there are lots of people with heavy crosses to bear and almost no (or no) resources who make due and soldier on. And no adoring fans to give a shit about their plight.

You probably recall when Heath Ledger offed himself, supposedly due to the psychic scars of playing "The Joker" (or at least that was the story). On one hand it was a tragic waste as the guy was very talented and still young. On the other hand, it was ridiculous as it was only a make believe role. Part of me wonders if these high-profile entertainer suicides aren't part of some kind of twisted play for martyrdom and adoration. Because stars who die before their time are often considered legends (e.g., James Dean, Marilyn Monroe, etc.).

I thought KL died from an OD, not suicide. He had major substance abuse problems and it seems much more likely it was an OD.

 

[8nitsuj23]

Well, it is always tragic when someone kills themselves. No one is saying otherwise. But there are lots of people with heavy crosses to bear and almost no (or no) resources who make due and soldier on. And no adoring fans to give a shit about their plight.

You probably recall when Heath Ledger offed himself, supposedly due to the psychic scars of playing "The Joker" (or at least that was the story). On one hand it was a tragic waste as the guy was very talented and still young. On the other hand, it was ridiculous as it was only a make believe role. Part of me wonders if these high-profile entertainer suicides aren't part of some kind of twisted play for martyrdom and adoration. Because stars who die before their time are often considered legends (e.g., James Dean, Marilyn Monroe, etc.).

Having gone through these thoughts myself, I’d say you’re not far from wrong. There’s this feeling of “they’ll miss me when I’m gone” or “they don’t appreciate me now but will when I’m gone”

 

[AutomaticSlim]

She did have depression and also was upset about the sextape that her boyfriend was threatening to take public.
It's really a shame because she always seemed very upbeat and cheerful.
These KPOP idols have immense pressure on them. They begin training very young and it basically takes up all their time.
The scrutiny they receive can be unbearable.
Many of them "take breaks" for "exhaustion" and such, and then never take the stage again.
I think it is much harder than being an American singing star.

 

[AutomaticSlim]

Like I mentioned in the other thread, in addition to singing/dancing and acting, she was also known for being a great athlete.

 

[Schecter42]

She did have depression and also was upset about the sextape that her boyfriend was threatening to take public.
It's really a shame because she always seemed very upbeat and cheerful.
These KPOP idols have immense pressure on them. They begin training very young and it basically takes up all their time.
The scrutiny they receive can be unbearable.
Many of them "take breaks" for "exhaustion" and such, and then never take the stage again.
I think it is much harder than being an American singing star.

She did have depression and also was upset about the sextape that her boyfriend was threatening to take public.
It's really a shame because she always seemed very upbeat and cheerful.
These KPOP idols have immense pressure on them. They begin training very young and it basically takes up all their time.
The scrutiny they receive can be unbearable.
Many of them "take breaks" for "exhaustion" and such, and then never take the stage again.
I think it is much harder than being an American singing star.

Totally agree, it was the depression and pressure/stress. Plus her friend had recently committed suicide which must have depressed here even more. She greatly needed daily monitoring by a psychologist, particularly given she had attempted suicide previously. She needed a long break from the business.
The pressure on entertainers particularly musicians to continue to make "hits" is immense. If they can't produce hits, their careers can be over quickly. Many turn to drugs for relief.