K-pop’s biggest stars have led the procession for the funeral of singer Jonghyun who took his own life this week aged 27.
Jonghyun, whose real name was Kim Jong-hyun, was the lead singer of one of the biggest K-pop groups, SHINee.
His bandmates and others from the pop group Super Junior carried his coffin, dressed in all black.
His death has sparked waves of grief among fans with thousands visiting the hospital where his body was held.
A note believed to have been sent by him to a friend spoke of his struggles with depression and fame.
It said he was “broken from the inside” and that “the life of fame was never meant for me”.
“What else can I say more. Just tell me I’ve done well. That this is enough. That I’ve worked hard. Even if you can’t smile don’t fault me on my way.”
The procession on Thursday left the Asan Medican Centre in Seoul with one of Jonghyun’s band mates and his sister at the front.
The pallbearers carried the coffin to the hearse which was then driven to the private funeral. Only family members and friends attended.
But hundreds gathered at the hospital for a final farewell.
Jonghyun was found unconscious in a Seoul apartment late on Monday, 18th December 2017. He was taken to hospital where he was declared dead.
Investigators said no post-mortem examination would be performed on his body and later ruled it a suicide.
Earlier this week, SHINee posted an emotional tribute on their official Twitter account, saying in Korean: “Jonghyun, who loved music more than anyone…. Forever, he will be remembered.”
