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Late Goo Hara left ‘despairing note’: Police
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This picture taken on February 21, 2018 shows K-pop star Goo Hara arriving at Incheon International Airport, west of Seoul. (AFP/Dong-A Ilbo)
Singer Goo Hara, who was found dead at her home Sunday, left a note, according to police.
A note written by Goo was found on a table in her living room at around 6 p.m. Sunday by her housekeeper, who then filed a report with police, the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency said during a press briefing Monday.
Police said in the note she “despaired over personal affairs.”
Police added that based on on-site inspections and family testimonies, foul play was unlikely. A closed-circuit TV review showed that Goo returned home at around 12:30 a.m. Sunday, police said.
Her agency expressed condolences after her sudden passing.
“It is with deep regret that we impart the heartbreaking news,” said Production Ogi, which managed Goo’s gigs in Japan.
A private wake will be held at Gangnam Severance Hospital per the family’s wishes, the agency said. The public is asked not to visit.
A separate public memorial will be held at Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital in Seocho, southern Seoul, from 3 p.m. Monday to Wednesday at midnight for fans to pay respects to the late star.
In May, Goo was hospitalized after an apparent suicide attempt. Upon recovery, she issued a statement via her agency apologizing for “all the trouble.”
Read also: Good night: K-pop star Goo Hara's last words on Instagram before she was found dead
Last year, Goo was involved in a highly publicized legal battle with former boyfriend Choi Jong-bum, a 28-year-old hairdresser, who threatened to release a sex video to media.
While Choi has denied actually releasing the footage, an online entertainment outlet revealed Choi reached out to the outlet saying he had a “tip-off” about Goo. In CCTV footage revealed by the said outlet, Goo is seen kneeling before Choi reportedly begging him not to release the video.
In August, Choi was given a suspended sentence for intimidation, assault and property damage, among other offenses. He was found not guilty of filming and blackmailing her. Both the prosecution and Choi appealed the ruling.
Goo debuted in July 2008, joining girl group Kara, and quickly rose to fame. Since leaving Kara in 2016, Goo pursued a solo career in Japan.
Singer-actress Sulli, who was found dead Oct. 14, was Goo’s close friend.
This article appeared on The Korea Herald newspaper website, which is a member of Asia News Network and a media partner of The Jakarta Post
