Jeong Joong‑ji: A Tragic End to a Young Star’s Life
What We Know
On Tuesday, September 20, a heart‑breaking tweet from Jeong Joong‑ji’s mother told the world that the 30‑year‑old actor had taken his own life. She wrote, “This is Jeong Joong‑ji’s mother. My son Jiji took his own life. I can’t put into words how I feel right now.” The post was accompanied by two photos showing funeral details and a picture of her holding her son’s memorial portrait in a black hanbok.
Timeline
- September 9 – Jeong Joong‑ji’s death, just four days after his 30th birthday.
- September 11 – Memorial service held in his honor.
From Idol Dreams to Acting Roles
In 2017, Joong‑ji was a trainee from Wayz Company and competed on Mnet’s Produce 101 Season 2. He was eliminated in the 64th place with 86,864 votes. After that, he stepped into theatre, starring in plays like “Prison” and “Essence of Love.” He even earned the Hallyu Star Award for actors at the 2017 Hallyu Selection Organizing Committee Awards.
When the Spotlight Shattered
- July 2017 – Following the finale, a former acquaintance accused Joong‑ji of sexual harassment. He responded in a social‑media rant, claiming the agency was spreading the rumors for marketing and that it had ruined his life.
- November 2017 – He posted a lengthy Instagram thread denouncing Yoon Ji‑sung (Wanna One) for bullying, saying the backlash made him feel suicidal. His Instagram account was later deleted.
Why the Voice Finally Went Quiet
The story highlights the crushing pressure that can build up behind a star’s curtain: from hopeful idol auditions to public scrutiny and personal attacks. Even amid momentary acclaim on stage, the relentless stress seemed to take its toll. Jeong’s mother’s terse, tear‑full tweet reminds us that those in the limelight often carry fragile burdens, and that mental health cannot be ignored, no matter how bright the spotlight may seem.
SINGAPORE HELPLINES
Got a Rough Day? Singapore’s Mental‑Health Lifelines are Here for You
Feeling a bit off? You’re not alone, and help is just a call away. Singapore’s network of hotlines is ready to listen, support, and guide you through tough moments. Below is a quick rundown of the key numbers – handy for anyone, from young students to seasoned professionals.
Hotlines to Reach Out
- Samaritans of Singapore (SOS) – 1800‑221‑4444
- Singapore Association for Mental Health (SAMH) – 1800‑283‑7019
- Care Corner Counselling Centre (Mandarin) – 1800‑353‑5800
- Institute of Mental Health’s Helpline – 6389‑2222
- Silver Ribbon (for men with mental‑health challenges) – 6386‑1928
- Shan You Counselling Centre (Mandarin) – 6741‑0078
- Fei Yue’s Online Counselling Service – Website only – no phone number
- Tinkle Friend (for primary school kids) – 1800‑2744‑788
Why a Quick Call Can Make All the Difference
Calling any of these lines means you’re not carrying your worries alone. The counsellors are trained to help you:
- Spill out what’s on your mind, with zero judgement.
- Offer a quick reality check or coping tricks for the moment.
- Connect you to professional services if you need a deeper dive.
A Tragic Reminder: Mental Health Matters for Everyone
Recently, Yoo Joo‑eun, a beloved actress from “Joseon Survival Period,” tragically took her own life at 27. While the loss is devastating, it also shines a hopeful light: there are countless resources that can help those who might be silently battling despair. If you or someone you know is feeling that heavy, dialing one of the above numbers can be a lifeline.
Still Dreaded? You Can Face It with a Smile and a Phone Call
It might feel like the world is stuck on its worst day, but a simple call can shift the tide. Think of it as a friendly ‘check‑in’ call with a mental‑health pro who’s eager to help you get back the sunshine.
Remember:
- It’s completely private, free, and confidential.
- You owe yourself the same kind of care you’d give to a close friend.
- Reaching out is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Take a breath. Pick up the phone, dial a number, and ask for a chat. You deserve help, and help is waiting.
