The exact cause of Goo Hara's death was still under investigation, police said
The exact cause of Goo Hara's death was still under investigation, police said. YONHAP/STR

The K-pop world is in mourning after singer and actress Goo Hara was found dead this past Sunday. The K-pop star from the band Kara was discovered by the Seoul police.

The Gangnam District police found the 28-year-old in her home after a maid called them. The New York Times reports that authorities are classifying her death as a suicide. Police also reportedly found a handwritten note at the scene "in which Hara shared her despair."

In May, the performer was found in a comatose state after a suspected suicide attempt. At the time, she had posted on the word “Goodbye” on her Instagram. The post has since been deleted. After being taken to the hospital, Hara addressed fans, saying that there was no cause for concern. One month later, she revealed that she was suffering from depression, reports CNN.

Hara was also part of a public dispute with her ex-boyfriend Choi Jong-bum, who she accused of blackmail and harassment. Choi was found guilty of the crimes earlier this year.

Hara’s death has raised a debate over the K-pop industry, which is being criticized for pressuring singers and the online harassment being made towards them. This news comes just a month after another K-pop singer, the 25-year-old Sulli, who was a friend of Hara's, was found dead at her home in Seoul from an apparent suicide.

Hara was known for being a member of the popular K-pop group Kara. The girl band was one of the earlier K-pop groups that helped bring the music genre on a global scale. After Kara disbanded, Hara went solo with her first EP “Alohara” (Can You Feel It?) in 2015. The singer also made some television and film appearances.

The body of Goo Hara was discovered at her home in Cheongdam, one of Seoul's wealthiest neighbourhoods
The body of Goo Hara was discovered at her home in Cheongdam, one of Seoul's wealthiest neighbourhoods YONHAP / STR