Singer Jindenim (real name Kim Jungyup)'s death was reported belatedly, and a wave of mourning is continuing among the music community and fans. He was 29.
Jindenim's sister announced the death on the deceased's social media on the 3rd, saying, "On the evening of Dec. 17, 2025, my older brother passed away due to an accident." According to the family, the cause of death was a fall resulting from symptoms of his illness, and they made clear that it was not an intentional act.
After the news of his death spread, the deceased's social media and online communities were filled with messages of condolence from fans and colleagues such as "I can't believe it," "an artist whose music brought great comfort," and "may you rest in peace." In particular, tributes continued from those who said they were comforted by Jindenim's songs, and a mood of reexamining his musical footprint has also spread.
The family said, "He was aware of his illness and tried to manage his condition through hospital treatment and medication," but added, "His symptoms recently worsened rapidly, and the condition reached a point where it was difficult to control with family help alone." Jindenim had suffered from bipolar affective disorder since 2015, and he is reported to have also experienced Cho Hyun symptoms.
They added, "Even while ill, he clung to life through his faith and tried to convey love and faith to those around him," and "however, impulsive behavior repeated under the influence of the illness, and these were symptoms unrelated to his will. Because of that, he and his family suffered great pain for a long time."
The family also said, "He used to say in life, 'The day I leave will be a joyful day because I will go to heaven, so do not be sad,'" and they asked, "Please remember him for a long time not just as an object of sorrow but for the music and warm memories Jindenim left behind."
After dropping out of Fudan University in China, Jindenim made a name for himself busking around the Hongdae area in 2016 and built a musical world that crossed alternative R&B and indie pop. He released numerous songs such as 'When this night passes,' 'Colorful,' 'Eternal,' and 'Fairytale,' conveying his unique sensibility, and since 2020 he had been active under the stage name Jindenim.
Meanwhile, his burial site was arranged at Evergreen Arboretum in Anseong, Gyeonggi. Fans who want to remember his music and sincerity are expected to continue mourning for the time being.
- The following is the full text of Jindenim's sister's Instagram post
Hello, I am Kim Jungyup's sister.
On the evening of Dec. 17, 2025, my older brother Jungyup passed away due to an accident. In the confusion we held a quiet funeral with only close relatives present and sent him off, but I decided it was right to inform those who loved and cherished my brother's music of the exact facts, so I am saying this:
Jungyup has been receiving treatment since 2015 for bipolar affective disorder and Cho Hyun symptoms. He was aware of his illness and continued hospital treatment and medication, trying to manage his condition. However, his symptoms recently worsened rapidly, and his condition reached a point where it was difficult to control with family help alone.
Even while battling his illness, my brother sustained his life through faith and lived trying to convey love and faith to those around him. However, impulsive behavior repeated under the influence of the illness, and these were symptoms unrelated to his will. Because of that, my brother and our family suffered great pain for a long time.
We make it clear that the cause of my brother's death was not suicide but a fall resulting from symptoms of his illness.
We sincerely thank everyone who loved my brother over the years.
My brother used to say, "The day I leave will be a joyful day because I will go to heaven, so do not be sad." As he said, my brother's death is tragic and heartbreaking, but our family believes he has gone to a peaceful place.
Rather than leaving my brother Jungyup as an object of sorrow, I hope you remember him for a long time for the music and warm memories he left behind.
My brother's burial site is beside our father at Evergreen Arboretum in Anseong. Those who wish to pray for his soul and express condolences may visit. It is open year-round, so please come at your convenience. And I hope you do not grieve too long over this. Thank you for loving Jindenim until now.
- From younger sister Danbi -
[photo] SNS
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