Shinee singer Jonghyun dead: Tributes flood in for lead singer of world’s biggest K-pop band

The lead singer of hit South Korean boy band Shinee has died, aged 27.

Kim Jong-hyun, better known by his stage name Jonghyun, died after he was found unconscious at an apartment in southern Seoul on Monday night.

Jonghyun's older sister made the initial call to emergency services over fears he had attempted to commit suicide.

A statement from Gangnam Police read: “On December 18, 2017 at 4:42PM Jonghyun's older sister reported to Police that her brother was about to commit suicide.

“We went to his residence in Chungdam and discovered that he had attempted to commit suicide.

“Emergency responders were with us at the time so we rushed him to the Konkuk University Hospital in a state of cardiac arrest.”

Tributes from heartbroken fans flooded in as news of the death spread.

One tweeted: "Rest in peace Kim Jong Hyun #StayStrongSHINee."

Another posted: "I really don't know what to think but i do know that my heart is broken. rest in peace kim jong-hyun."

A third wrote: "RIP Shinee's Jonghyun he was an amazing person and a legendary vocalist sending prayers to his family, friends, shinee and fans. Also he wrote the song "Let Me Out" talking about his feelings and "Breath" comforting people when he's the one that needs help #RIPJonghyun."

Jonghyun joined Shinee in 2008. The band, who were known as the Princes of K-pop, had hits with Replay, Dream Girl and Ring Ding Dong.

They recently released their fifth full-length album which they took on a 25 date tour earlier this year.

Jonghyun was last seen in public at a solo concert in Seoul earlier this month.

For confidential support call the Samaritans in the UK on 116 123, visit a local Samaritans branch or visit them online at www.samaritans.org.