Lee Jihan.Photo: 935 Entertainment
South Korean actor-singer Lee Jihan, 24, was one of154 people killedduring a deadlyHalloween crowd surgein the town of Itaewon, Seoul on Saturday
Lee died as a result of the crush in the narrow city streets which also left more than 100 people injured,Billboardreported Sunday, citing the star’s agencies,935 Entertainmentand9Ato Entertainment.
935 Entertainment also addressed Lee’s tragic death on Instagram Sunday, alongside an image of a plain black square posted in mourning.
“I am heartbroken to [share] sad news,” the translation for the caption said before going on to say that Lee “has become a star in the sky and left us"after his “sudden death.”
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“Actor Lee Jihan was a sweet and warm friend to all,” the caption added.
“We are sad to deliver such news today, but Lee Jihan has passed away in the crush in Itaewon last night,” a statement from 935 Entertainment read, according toEntertainment Tonight, citing multiple outlets.
Lee was known for competing on season 2 of the reality singing competition seriesProduce 101in 2017. He made his acting debut on the 2019 web dramaToday Was Another Nam Hyun Day, reportedCNN Philippines.
Kim Dohyun and Park Heeseok, Lee’s former castmates fromProduce 101, shared funeral information for their friend and expressed condolences on social media, perBillboard.
RELATED VIDEO: At Least 120 People Killed and More Than 100 Injured in South Korea During Halloween Event
Themass-casualty incident occurred Saturdayin a narrow alley in the town of Itaewon, prompting South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol to order his government to provide disaster medical emergency assistance, according to the BBC,New York Timesand CNN.
“The top priority is to evacuate and save the victims. We should take them tourgent medical treatment as quickly as possible,” the president said to his cabinet, perNYT.
According to the BBC, the popular nightlife spot was reportedlyswarmed with 100,000 residentsto join the Halloween festivities, which was the first Halloween event that required no mask since the pandemic.
Officials later responded to the area after receiving reports of people experiencing"difficulty breathing,“CNN reported.
source: people.com
