Mourners bid actor Park YongHa last farewell

Grieving mourners from both South Korea and Japan bid farewell Friday to a popular South Korean actor and singer who committed suicide earlier this week.

A funeral ceremony was scheduled for Park Yong-ha, 33, who killed himself Wednesday in distress over career and family pressures, the latest in a string of high-profile suicides in the Asian country.

Park’s suicide stunned South Korea and neighboring Japan where he was one of the most popular South Korean celebrities. One of his fans was said to be Japan’s former first lady, Akie Abe.

[Special] Couple Se7en and Park HanByul amongst other stars at Park YongHa’s funeral

With the Korean entertainment scene waking up to shocking news of the death of Hallyu star Park YongHa on 30th June, many stars have also appeared to pay their last respects to the star at his funeral.

Amongst the stars is couple Se7en and Park HanByul appearing together at the same event after quite some time. Also go under the cut for photos of other star appearances at the funeral.

Having talked over the phone the day before, TVXQ Hero JaeJoong in shock over sudden death of close friend Park YongHa

With the sudden news of Hallyu star Park YongHa’s death on 30th June, Dong Bang SHin Ki member Hero JaeJoong is amongst the stars who are in shock of the news.

Amidst news that Park YongHa was found, hung, in his apartment on 30th June, it was revealed that Hero JaeJoong was one of the people he spoke to before he hung himself. According to Hero JaeJoong, who is now in the States doing recording for a worldwide album, they had conversation like how they did usually. JaeJoong even told him, “When I returned to Korea, let’s go for a drink.”

Hero JaeJoong’s representative told the media, “He was of course shocked at the news of Park YongHa’s passing. Park YongHa is a friend whom JaeJoong would meet often in Korea and Japan.”

2AM Jo Kwon on Park YongHa’s sudden death, “He was there at the recording studio then”

2AM Jo Kwon writes about actor Park YongHa’s suicide on his Twitter. The actor was found dead at his home on 30th June.

Jo Kwon wrote on his Twitter on 30th June after the news, “It has been gloomy lately. He was there when we were recording for the song ‘Like A Fool’. May you rest in peace, Park YongHa seonbaenim.”

The song ‘Like A Fool’ is the title song off MBC drama ‘Personal Taste’ which was aired in May. And in April, 2AM did the recording of the song and back then, Park YongHa was also present at their recording studio.

Actor Park YongHa discovered dead at home

Breaking news: Park Yong-ha was discovered dead at his Nonhyun-dong, Seoul, home on the morning of June 30. I’ll update with details if/as they become available.

I am in utter shock. WHAT?

Park Yong-ha died at the age of 32, having debuted fifteen years ago in youth shows like KBS’s 1995 Love Blossoms in the Classroom and 1996’s Start. He shot to fame with 2002’s Winter Sonata, which made him a household name and a “Hallyu star.” He used that fame as a springboard a singing career in Japan, where he enjoyed quite a lot of popularity. He had a successful drama hit in 2008’s On Air, and totally stole my heart in 2009’s Story of a Man, which is one of my favorite dramas EVER.