Woo Hye-mi |
Musician Woo Hye-mi, 31, was found dead in her home on Saturday, according to her friends and police. Woo was a contestant on Mnet's 2012 audition program "The Voice of Korea." There were reportedly no signs of foul play.
According to her colleagues, Woo had been out of contact since Friday. They tried to reach her several times but she didn't answer.
"We're sorry to inform you that Woo Hye-mi passed away at home, Saturday," Downtown E&M said in an official announcement on Sunday.
Agency employees said they also tried calling her several times for a meeting.
"Woo didn't show up at the meeting for her new single's music video. We called her several times but she didn't pick up," the staff said.
Woo competed in "The Voice of Korea" season one in 2012 and was one of the four finalists. She joined Downtown E&M after the show and released her first mini-album "s.s.t" this July. She used Miwoo as her stage name.
In her 2015 album "Broken Doll," she reflected her thoughts about the world. The lyrics were mainly about feeling sorry for the people who lose what makes them special in order to fit in.
Son Seung-yeon, one of her closest friends, grieved with a post on Instagram, saying "forgive me for not calling you often." Son also made an appearance on the show.
"You liked Amy Winehouse and Pilseung for your final performance. You said you were thrilled to rap in front of people, and joked that I can rap too," she noted, reminiscing on the moments she had with Woo.
"You should have told me about it when you were in that much pain," Son said. "You were a natural-born musician. I hope you rest in peace."
A memorial is at Kangdong Sacred Heart Hospital, and the funeral will be run in private with the family. The coffin was buried on Monday morning.