Member of up-and-coming K-pop girl group dies in van crash
News of a tragic accident sent shockwaves across the K-pop world yesterday.
Members of the new five-member Korean girl group Ladies' Code were returning to Seoul from Daegu in a van at around 1.20am yesterdaywhen they were involved in a car accident.
Member EunB, 21, died at the scene, while two other members, Rise, 23, and Sojung, 21, are in critical condition.
It is understood that the rear tyre of the van fell off, causing the vehicle to spin in the rain before hitting a guard rail.
Ladies' Code's agency Polaris Entertainment released a statement yesterday, saying: "Rise is in critical condition and Sojung is receiving treatment for her injuries.
"The other members, the manager and stylist have no serious injuries. The location for EunB's wake has not yet been decided on."
The company said that its employees are in great shock and "are experiencing sadness that cannot be expressed in words".
It continued: "We offer our apology to the fans and all those who have also been greatly shocked, and we hope that many can pray for the speedy recovery of the members."
It was reported in Korean media outlets Newsen and Naver that Rise suffered head trauma.
Her family members, who live in Japan, flew to Korea yesterday.
Ladies' Code debuted in March last year and were nominated for the Best New Female Group title at a few Korean Music award ceremonies last year.
The group, which also has leader Ashley, 22, and vocalist Zuny, 19, were touted as one of the hottest new girl groups to watch this year.
Known for their sexy yet cutesy image, Ladies' Code were last seen on TV at Korean music countdown shows last month, when they released their new single Kiss Kiss.
SHOCK, SORROW
K-pop fans around the world expressed shock and sorrow at the news.
Many commented on Korean music forums that it was "shocking" and "devastating".
Some wrote: "My deepest condolences to all the families involved."
Local K-pop fans expressed similar sentiments.
Student Cindy Lim, 17, said: "I have not heard of them before, but being a fan of Korean pop music, I feel very sad about this. Life is so short."
Undergraduate Nicole Lu said: "I am not a fan of the group, but after I saw the news, I felt that idols are just like normal people.
"We (often) treat them as if they are different and make them sound like they are almost fictional characters."
The 21-year-old added: "The idol member who passed away is the same age as me. I am very shocked by the news.
"Life is very unpredictable and to hear such things happening to them is very disheartening."
"The idol member who passed away is the same age as me. I am very shocked by the news."
- Undergraduate Nicole Lu, 21
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