Park Yong-ha discovered dead at home
by javabeans
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.
Most recently, Park Yong-ha was cast alongside Yoon Eun-hye in the high-profile drama remake of Hong Kong film Tian Mi Mi, tentatively titled Love Song.
This is just… awful. Horrible and unexpected. Currently they are not ruling this a suicide, but that’s the foremost presumption.
UPDATE
- The evening prior to his death (29th), Park missed a meeting with drama producers for his upcoming project Love Song. His manager couldn’t get in contact with him.
- One producer said that they had seen Park occasionally in a down mood, but attributed it to news of Park’s father suffering from cancer. His father recently moved back home from the hospital after his stomach cancer was deemed late-stage.
- Park reportedly died from hanging. He was found by his mother in his room with a cell phone cord around his neck.
- Around 12:40 am, he was with his father, massaging his father’s legs. Park told him “I’m sorry” over and over. He then went into his room, where he was found in the morning.
- Producers of Love Song are “in panic mode” because Park’s passing leaves them without a lead. Yeah, eff you producers.
- Park had said in an interview that he suffered from depression, which was exacerbated by prolonged promotional activities abroad.
- One friend says, “There’s no way to know the real reason, but when I met Park a few months ago, he seemed depressed.” His father’s illness made things worse.
- Park’s Story of a Man co-star Park Shi-yeon (currently acting in Coffee House) reportedly received a “huge shock” from the news and “is in very bad condition.” She is so distraught that there’s concern she won’t be able to continue filming.
- Park Shi-yeon spoke with Park on the phone yesterday, but thought he sounded normal.
- And the media frenzy begins. That photo is from outside Park’s home.
- The parade of celebrity visits is also just beginning, with stars coming to pay their respects to Park, whose body was transferred to a Kangnam hospital. It’s morning in Korea now, and this will likely continue all day. I won’t be posting on it, but you can rest assured there’ll be plenty of media there as well.
- His death is even more perplexing because he had made plans to meet friends later in the day.
- Park’s last phone call (or one of his last) was reportedly with DBSK’s Hero Jaejoong, with whom he’d grown closer as he gave the latter advice about pursuing singer activities in Japan. Jaejoong is currently recording in the U.S. and said, “I spoke with him on the phone yesterday, and his voice sounded so bright. I didn’t feel he was at all different from his normal self. We agreed to have a drink together when I got back to Korea. I’m in such shock.”
- Park’s last twitter message was posted Saturday the 26th (http://twitter.com/yonaaaaaa) and was about the World Cup. “We lost. But they did well. clap clap clap~ Everyone, let’s clap with warm hears for our national soccer team, who return with heavy steps. Good job!!”
- Park had just come back from a tour in Japan. The day before that (the 25th), he tweeted, “How could they know to come to the airport and see me, and at such a late hour? ^^ I didn’t tell anyone but how could they know? keke. Impressive~ Anyway, thank you for coming to see me!! Tomorrow at the concert I’ll have to ask, ‘Who came to the airport yesterday?~~’ keke See you tomorrow ^^”
- In an interview last year while promoting his movie The Scam, Park said, “I’ve suffered from insomnia for the last ten years. I’m rather sensitive. If something bothers me I can’t sleep until it’s resolved.” He added, “I’m envious of people who can sleep well. I think sleep is needed for good mental health.”
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Tags: deaths, Park Yong-ha
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351 alwayshungry
June 29, 2010 at 11:15 PM
Shock. Sadness. Frustration. Numbness.
I guess some can say he was selfish for taking the easy way out. But in this situation, I can only feel sadness for a truly talented artist not being with us anymore. For those that's never been in depression, you will not be able to understand why people make these choices. I was like that when my friend was in depression. I simply thought, "Just think happy thoughts." It's a lot more difficult than you think. You may think you can control it..or change your mindset. Yes..you can but at the same time...it takes a lot of effort and energy that a depressed person does not have. Not all can get back up. I'm not trying to say it's right to commit suicide. I don't agree. But at the same time, I just want to say...getting out of suicidal thoughts and depression is not as easy as you may think. Not as controllable as you may think. I can speak from experience.
I guess the saying "Dying is nothing. Living is the hard part" seems to be the current mind set. I'm sadden that somehow this is the choice for so many Korean artists. Maybe Korea at this moment needs more counselors and psychiatrists to just be present for artists under stress to talk to. It may not solve everything but if it can lower the numbers of suicides, I say the production companies invests in this.
RIP Park Young Ha. I loved you as an actor and as a singer. I can only pray for your mother that needs the most support now. To take care of your ailing father and tend to your memorial service, may she have the courage to continue on.
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352 Larissa
June 29, 2010 at 11:15 PM
Oh no! This is heartbreaking. I'm so sad.
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353 Tippy
June 29, 2010 at 11:21 PM
*sad sigh*...
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354 Oranges
June 29, 2010 at 11:31 PM
I could not believe this when i saw this title... i loved him in story of the man and i still remember him from winter sonata... this is shocking. I would have never thought he was depressed b/c he is always smiling and working very hard.
I hope PSY and people close to him will recover, but even I have been so shocked my stomach hurts.
I still would have never guessed..nobody could have I think b/c he had so many projects lined up, agreed to meet people, called lots of people, is successful, still has his father to take care of... I can't believe he would commit suicide, but I really know nothing about his life other than from his movies/dramas... sounds like he has insomnia, family issues, and serious clinical depression, therefore I'm not one to judge. but I'm so sad.
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355 dewi astuti
June 29, 2010 at 11:39 PM
So sad..... why so many good actor/actress have to die. the government must see this as a big problem. I love u PYH. Hope u find ur peace there....
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356 kiongna
June 29, 2010 at 11:42 PM
@Ellie - thanks for sharing. When despair is so deep, one of the best thing is to STOP thinking - and cut it off from your mind - and tell yourself that things is all right if you want to see it that way - that will allow your mind and heart to relax and be at peace to try and heal first before dealing with whatever you have to deal with. You can take time outs - and just not think about the pain - you can do it. Our mind and hearts can be trained. Believe it and you will know how to learn and live better and find happiness. Happiness is a choice so is misery. We can control our lives to certain extent with try and perserverance the rest, is in god's hands and in that we pray for blessings and MERCYY aigoo god, less "tests" please! :) Good luck and all the best, glad your sister's fine now!
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357 Observer
June 29, 2010 at 11:48 PM
Please rest in peace, PYH.
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358 Sophia JiHye
June 29, 2010 at 11:52 PM
I can't believe it...I'm shocked.
May he rest in peace.
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359 tri
June 29, 2010 at 11:54 PM
may you rest in peace Park Yong Ha.. T_T
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360 Dodo
June 29, 2010 at 11:58 PM
wow...im in utter shock right now.
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361 Observer
June 30, 2010 at 12:00 AM
BTW, the less famous PYH reminded me of Leslie Cheung of deceased HK pop singer!! My office used to be situated just across where Leslie's making his superman stunt. It was indeed a big shock when I first heard about it on April Fool 2003 and I thought my colleague was pulling my leg!!
One life, live it well with no regrets!!
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362 Dele
June 30, 2010 at 12:03 AM
Ellie thank you for sharing your story. You are right, when you get to that edge the pain is unbearable. Physical pain is nothing compared to that inner torment, and no one can ever really know what another person is feeling inside. Words aren't enough to explain it. My freshman year of college around my 18th birthday I found out my high school friend had jumped off a building all because of a girl. It was insane because we had al just graduated and had these bright futures ahead of us, and he took his away. I was mad, and even more mad at the girl. I always wish I had seen. recognized that something was off. I don't believe I could have saved him, but I wish I had been given a chance to try to help him. Whenever I hear about someone committing suicide I think about my friend, and today I thought about how he would have graduated college by know, calling me D-dog as always, and just being himself.
In my culture depression is also something seen as taboo, and not really talked about, Which is a problem in itself, because hiding it doesn't make it disappear. It's there growing darker beneath the surface, and if we don't get to the cause it will just end in a lot of pain for that person and the one's who love them. Death is sad enough, but when it comes like this, it's heartbreaking. Like you said Ellie, when you get to that point you do think the world will be better off without you, and that thought comsumes you and sometimes you act on it. What we really need is a wakeup call to know living is so much better than dying, and that pain is only for a moment, there is something wonderful in the next one.
Things like this is why I decided to become a counselor after Seoul. To help someone off tha edge, to let them know they matter, that they are loved, that life is worth living, most importantly that they are worthy of life.
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363 midnightmint
June 30, 2010 at 12:04 AM
This is just so crazy and unbelievable...
I like his acting and also his songs, and I was so looking forward for his new drama with YEH, and suddenly there is this news...
I still can't believe it..
RIP, PYH...
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364 Joey
June 30, 2010 at 12:05 AM
Shell Shocked. Saw this news @ Javabeans early in the morning. V. Sad. I was really looking forward to the new project (Love Song) he was supposed to embark on. After I saw this news online, I chanced upon the morning newspaper which has an article which mentioned that he will be starring in this korean version of "tian mi mi". Because the way newspaper works, it was printed b4 news of his death broke. Too many celebrities in Korea are committing suicide. I dun see as much of such news from Hong Kong, Taiwan. Granted there are some but no that many. Sigh.... RIP, PYH. I hope there will not be any more of such news. V.depressing.
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365 amktsy
June 30, 2010 at 12:05 AM
R.I.P :(
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366 mumuchan
June 30, 2010 at 12:12 AM
I heard the news of his death yesterday night (I live in Europe) and I just wanted to express my deep sadness and sorrow. "Story of a man" is one of my favourite k-drama ever, his acting was simply brilliant and his death is just devastating. It's a great loss for the industry, but above all for his parents and loved ones. I feel for his mother, father, friends and colleagues. The death of someone so young is always a tragedy. My condolences to all the people who love him.
Before leaving, just a thought I want to share : I read very judgemental opinions about suicide here, and I noticed it always happened when someone commit this act, and each time I wonder: why do people feel entitled to judge someone who is no longer here to defend him/herself, and why it is so hard to understand that only excruciating pain can lead you to this kind of death? My religion taught me not to to judge if I don't want to be judged. I can't , I don't , I won't
resent him for taking his own life. It won't bring him back, and who am I to judge his life? Am I better than him? I'll just cry on his death, on this life that stopped too soon, and hope his soul will find peace. I respect beliefs and faiths, but I think it's wrong to judge him, as though he had carefully planned his death. He was suffering from depression, which is a disease, not a choice. He must have suffered so much... Rest in peace Park Yong Ha, you'll be missed and remembered. God bless you.
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367 crzycpl
June 30, 2010 at 12:14 AM
OH NO! This is such sad news. I can't seem to process this news at the moment.
May he rest in peace.
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368 gembul10
June 30, 2010 at 12:17 AM
Oh...no... I'm sock to hear this news..
Park Yong Ha who I always adore since I saw him in Winter Sonata, Park Yong Ha, whom all the younger idols look at him as their idol.
Park Yong Ha, who all the younger idols who are going to Japan seek the advice and comfort from..
Oh... no... we lost another good actor.
It's such a sad story, that we knew he is always look happy and strong on the outside but maybe vulnerable inside?
Park Yong Ha, I will miss you and your good acting....
But may God forgive you and place you in a beautiful place in heaven.
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369 curiouscat
June 30, 2010 at 12:19 AM
such sad and shocking news. condolences to Park Yong-ha's family and friends. may you rest in peace PYH.
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370 mzpakipot
June 30, 2010 at 12:32 AM
this is so sad.
RIP
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371 Net-chan
June 30, 2010 at 12:46 AM
OH. THAT is a shock. When I open your pageg, JB, and saw Park Yong Ha's picture, I was happy to have some news about him, but then, when I read the title and the text...
It seems that a lot of stars suffer from depression, as he is not the first (and I believe not the last who's going to do that) to commit suicide. But this time, it really is strange. Why would he kill himself if he was to meet friends later in the day? If his psychological state was so bad, he should have been admitted to the hospital...
AAAAH That's too sad, I can't write anymore...
May he Rest in Peace.
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372 ... :-(
June 30, 2010 at 12:49 AM
I fully understand him... I grieve for him because depression is a serious thing.
I can say that because I've suffered from depression for a long time since my high school days until my latter years in the university... and I cannot say that now I am fully healed and overcome those deep unexplained sadness in me because every once in a while I am going through that phase... It is only lately that I almost succumb into that deep depression and have this wild thoughts of taking away my life. In all honesty, hearing this kind of news especially for someone like him makes me empathize with his sorrow.
People suffering from this illness doesn't choose despair over happiness.. It's just that melancholy is like a program instilled in their system and it eats them up little by little until they cannot pick up those pieces of themselves to make them whole again, but the problem is, most of the people who have this kind of sadness doesn't intend to let people know.... on my part that is, I don't want other people think that I'm sad because I'm afraid they wouldn't understand me and would just think that I'm a whiner so the more I feel lonely inside, the more I pretend to be happy on the outside.... The deeper I succumb to my emotion, the less I open my self to other people.
I guess that is why people are mostly shock when they find out about a friend who commits suicide, because they thought everything is okay.
So for those people who says "why kill yourself"... don't bash comments you know nothing of....
Let's just pray for the repose of his soul and may his family be comforted for their lost.
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373 moana
June 30, 2010 at 1:00 AM
park yong-ha's death is on yahoo: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100630/ap_en_tv/as_skorea_actor_death
i'm still blown away by what happened. my thoughts are with his family.
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374 Carinne
June 30, 2010 at 1:02 AM
May he R.I.P. May his living family strive strength to live on.
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375 Yoyo
June 30, 2010 at 1:11 AM
im shocked! R.I.P
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376 mskmouse
June 30, 2010 at 1:15 AM
Totally shocked!! Heard my colleagues mentioning his name and I thought I heard wrongly.
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377 asarako
June 30, 2010 at 1:17 AM
Rest in Peace..... im sadden over your death...
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378 Aielle
June 30, 2010 at 1:35 AM
OMG! im shock... he is one of my fave korean actor and hes just so good looking even in the picture above.
Yong-ha oppa, wherever you are now, i know you can see this and all the other supporters who are weeping for your death, we really didn't expect thi but i wish that wherever you're going, you can find the happiness that you're longing for. We will always remember you T.T
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379 choufy
June 30, 2010 at 1:41 AM
Sorry for your lost PYH's family, folks and friends. My sincere thoughts are with you.
I had only seen him in Story of a Man. I was not a fan or anything. But this... I don't get it. I felt a part of my heart breaking today.
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380 kopi adik
June 30, 2010 at 1:43 AM
OMG! i thought my eyes were playing tricks on me when i read his name! such a waste of a good talent! i was all geared up to seeing him with YEH in Love Song...
he must've been suffering a lot to have done this to himself and his family. my condolences... rest in peace Park Yongha.
and to the Love Song producers... F*ck you! seriously! someone just died and all you're worried with was you've lost your drama lead?! there are tons of other actors to choose from! have some respect!
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381 sheryl
June 30, 2010 at 1:51 AM
I loved him in Story of a Man - can't believe he's gone. Just like that.
Rest In Peace Park Yong Ha. You will be missed.
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382 vero
June 30, 2010 at 1:54 AM
I am deeply sorry for this! He was only 32! Very young! My sympathy to all family members, the father who is still sick and sees his son passing away before him, friends and all of us fans. I loved him, he looks very serious, a man with principles, he was determined in a Man Story! So sad!
After reading comments, other people suffering from depression, it is very clear people need assistance to overcome the depression.
Rest in peace!
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383 alodia
June 30, 2010 at 1:55 AM
ㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠ
I'm so sad... may you rest in peace my Lee Kyung-Min kamdongnim~ ㅜㅜ
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384 GfM
June 30, 2010 at 1:56 AM
this is so shocking and really breaks my heart. may his soul rest in peace.
Condolences to his family and loved ones.
When will these kind of news finally stop emerging.
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385 ethiogirl
June 30, 2010 at 2:13 AM
R.I.P. >That is all i can say right now. i loved him in slingshot. and he had a bright future. Oh god it is so heartbreaking.
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386 Artemis
June 30, 2010 at 2:22 AM
When I saw the twitter messages this morning, I couldn't believe it was true. I said to myself this has to be a different Park Yong Ha. I can't believe this has happened.
How long he has suffered. I am angry at the Korean society for putting so much pressure on people and not acknowledging depression as a serious and lethal illness. Humans are not robots, you know!!! How many high profile people do you need to have kill themselves for the society to wake up? It boggles my mind!!! He suffered from insomnia for 14 years. That is unbelievable. I suffered for 3 months and got depressed, and got help. It just breaks my heart!
RIP Park Yong Ha. I've shed tears for you this morning. You will be missed, and I am so sad we will not see you in Love Song. My heart goes out to his family. :(
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387 celestialorigin
June 30, 2010 at 2:25 AM
Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!
Why? You were brilliant in Story of a man. Hope you have found peace & light at where you are. You are loved by all of us.
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388 Chasw
June 30, 2010 at 2:34 AM
OMG
T.T
RIP oppa
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389 Changmi
June 30, 2010 at 2:44 AM
I was shock and sad over hearing the news this morning.
He will be always remembered in Winter Sonata & many other dramas ~ Love all his acts and be loved always ~
RIP Park Yong Ha~
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390 Ri
June 30, 2010 at 2:49 AM
So i log on to dramabeans this morning and got the shock of my life. Wasn't it just a few days ago tht I was gettin excited about Yoon Eun-Hye's new drama with Park Yong-ha? Things happen within the blink of an eye sometimes.
RIP Park Yong-ha. I hope wherever you are, you have found peace.
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391 Heoni
June 30, 2010 at 2:50 AM
:'((((((((((( opppppaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa...... why you have to goooooo... :'(((((((((
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392 imbestigador
June 30, 2010 at 2:53 AM
I was so disappointed after seeing the news,I love his Last Drama,A Man's story,May He rest in peace.
Anyways,So ji Sup,in grief, came to Park's Funeral Service at around 10:20 AM,He told the Reporters that he Felt sorry for Park's Sudden death.
Actress Yoon Eun Hye was also there.
Initial reports say that Park's Mother found his son hanging at around 5:30 AM of June 30.
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393 shaz81
June 30, 2010 at 2:55 AM
I saw his interview on J-melo a popular Japanese music show on NHK World ( I live in London) they had a Seoul special and he was featured with Younha just a couple of weeks ago, its extremely hard to think that such an articulate man was suffering from so many demons and took such action to end his life. My condolences to his family, friends and many fans all over the world. Truly a great talent has been lost R.I.P Park Yong Ha !!!!
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394 imbestigador
June 30, 2010 at 3:02 AM
Netizen's response to Park Yong-ha's Death was Overwhelming.
As of this Time,There are about 1,000 Blog articles about his death on Naver.com
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395 pickles
June 30, 2010 at 3:12 AM
Omg. Omg. Omg. I'm beyond speechless?! How can this happen!!!! :( this really is too tragic! :'( i guess its really tough being a public figure in Korea with all the expectations that they have to live up to. :/ sigh!! How many more of such cases must we see? :((((
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396 Ellie
June 30, 2010 at 3:39 AM
@62 Klogna -- It's not as simple as telling yourself not to think of being depressed, but I do agree that even though depression is strongly associated with factors beyond one's control (i.e., evidence of biological markers in one's DNA), this explanation isn't an excuse for what your body ends up doing. So, you're right that it is about choice, although I wish it were as easy as switching my brain to another dial. But at least I know how to recognize the signals and learn what coping mechanisms to utilize. I've made the personal decision after several discussions with my healthcare professional not to take anti-depressants, but I support all those who make informed decisions to take medication. For me, confronting depression head on and talking to somebody about it helps tremendously.
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397 Daiji
June 30, 2010 at 3:58 AM
My prayers, thoughts, tears and sorrows to the family, friends and fellow fans. You are sorely missed, Yong ha. So much.
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398 RD
June 30, 2010 at 4:01 AM
OMG wow I'm in utter shock. He was fantastic in SOAM. RIP Park Yong-ha
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399 hk-snow
June 30, 2010 at 4:03 AM
this is too sad... i was so devastated after I saw the news online while at school... I can't believe that he has left this world, he had such a bright future. I had actually been anticipating his new drama with yoon eun hye and now that will never be possible.. :(
i cried so much after hearing this news because not only did i feel so sad for Park Yong Ha (as I really enjoyed watching all his works) but also it made me realise how frail the human mind is. As I suffer from depression as well, i can comprehend his agony and the helplessness one feels but what made me feel even more pained is how much suffering he would have had to endure to have come to this decision..... i really feel so saddened
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400 Ahjumma
June 30, 2010 at 4:04 AM
I am devastated. It's so sad to think that he was in such pain that he had to end his life. I was a huge fan and I'm feeling so lost right now. Rest in Peace Park Yong Ha. Sympathies to the family and friends.
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