K-pop deaths spark fear of copycat suicides in South Korea

Despite recent progress, rate is rising amid rapid changes in society

20191206 Goo Sulli South Korea

K-Pop stars Goo Hara, left, and Sulli both took their own lives recently. The news of their deaths sent shock waves through South Korean society. (Imaginechina via AP Images)

SOTARO SUZUKI, Nikkei staff writer

SEOUL -- South Korea is reeling from the latest wave of suicides by popular actors and singers. The high-profile cases could prompt copycat cases despite government efforts to prevent people from taking their own lives.

Actor Cha In-ha was found dead at his home on Dec. 3. People close to him said they had noticed nothing unusual about him. He updated his Instagram account the day before his death.

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