K-pop boyband star Yohan dies aged 28

K-pop star Yohan, of the boyband TST, has died aged 28.

The singer – real name Kim Jeong-hwan – lost his life on Tuesday, 16 June. The cause of death has not been revealed.

TST's label KJ Music Entertainment said in a statement: "Hello. This is TST's label, KJ Music Entertainment.

"We are sad to relay the most unfortunate, sorrowful news. Back on June 16, TST member Yohan left this world.

"The late Yohan's family is currently in deep mourning. The family has pleaded that media articles about Yohan's passing, such as those making speculations about the cause of his death, be refrained out of respect.

Read more: K-pop fans match band's $1m donation to Black Lives Matter movement

"We express our deepest condolences in light of Yohan's final parting."

Yohan celebrated his 28th birthday in April and shared a photo on Instagram on 31 May of him standing on a beach, captioned: "I want to travel."

The singer made his debut with boyband NOM and after they disbanded joined TST, formerly known as Top Secret, in 2017.

TST – best known for their hits Love Story, Paradise and Wake Up – released their most recent single Countdown in January.

According to South Korean broadcaster SPOTV, which broke the news of his death, his wake is being held at the Severance Hospital in Seoul, and a funeral will take place in Yongin on Thursday 18 June.

Among those to pay tribute to the star on social media were South Korean singer Lee Kiseop, who wrote: "I love you a lot, Yohan... I miss you."

Yohan’s death is the latest in a string of K-pop stars to lose their lives in the past year.

In December 2019 K-pop star Cha In Ha was found dead at the age of 27.

South Korean pop star and actress Sulli was found dead aged 25 in October 2019, shortly after leaving a note that hinted she had been suffering from depression.

In November 2019, 27-year-old K-pop star Goo Hara was found dead at her home in Seoul. Police reported she left a “pessimistic” note on her living room table.

Stars of the K-pop industry experience meteoric rises to fame, but also extreme pressures and harsh criticism from their own fans on social media.

According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, South Korea has consistently had one of the highest suicide rates among developed countries, prompting its government to take steps to tackle the issue.