Lee Jihan: Aspiring K-Pop idol and 'Produce 101' star tragically dies at 24 in Seoul Halloween stampede
SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA: Popular reality TV contestant and singer-actor Lee Jihan tragically died in the Halloween stampede in Seoul, South Korea. He was 24 years old. The stampede has reportedly claimed the lives of more than 150 people, with several others being injured.
The young talent was known for having appeared in the second season of the Korean competition series 'Produce 101' and was a rising star by all accounts. According to The Sun, 'Produce 101' is a completion in which aspiring K-Pop hopefuls compete for a chance to be part of an 11-member act. Jihan was reportedly all set to debut in a K-drama soon.
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935 Entertainment, the agency that represented Jihan, released a statement in Korean on his tragic death. “It's 935 Entertainment & 9 Auto Entertainment. I am heartbroken to be greeted with sad news. Actor Lee Ji-han, a precious family member of 935 Entertainment and 9 Ato Entertainment, has become a star in the sky and left us. I would like to express my heartfelt condolences to the family members who are in deep grief due to the sudden demise of actor Lee Ji-han and all those who love and cherish him. Actor Lee Ji-han was a sweet and warm friend to all. I can't believe that I can't see the infinitely bright and innocent actor Ji-han who always smiled brightly and greeted me anymore. Please send a warm farewell to actor Lee Ji-Han who left us too soon. We 935 Entertainment and 9Auto Entertainment will long remember actor Ji-Han who shined beautifully with a passionate passion for acting. Once again, I send my deepest condolences to the deceased's last journey.”
The horrifying stampede at Itaewon, a town in the Korean capital of Seoul, has claimed the lives of several victims. It was prompted by the panic of more than 100,00 members in the area. It is also reported that the stampede has claimed the lives of more than 20 foreigners from more than 10 countries.
With the event being the first open Halloween celebration without Covid restrictions, it was an exciting day for everyone who showed up. However, the attendees had been caught in the stampede as the festivities attracted a huge crowd that was much larger than expected.
After 10 pm, the situation worsened when people were forced down the tight sloped alleyway after it was already packed with people. Those at the top had begun to fall and topple over the others, causing the stampede. Many are said to have gone into cardiac arrest and some were also rumored to have tried to scale the sides of the buildings to escape but to no avail.