Korean actor, Jeon Tae Soo has died. According to a statement released on 21 January by his agency, Haewadal Entertainment, the actor was “being treated for depression, and his condition was improving, and he was discussing his return to the entertainment industry until recently.”

The actor was 34 years old, unmarried, and leaves behind his sister Jeon Hae Rim (who is commonly known as Ha Ji Won). Jeon Hae Rim has since cancelled all her public appearances to mourn Jeon Tae Soo’s death.

It is unclear from the statement what caused his death, and though the statement pleaded that the public “refrain from speculative articles or bad comments”, it is highly probable that he committed suicide or succumbed to a drug overdose. South Korea’s entertainment industry is highly competitive and many entertainers, young and old, generally suffer from depression stemming from demanding work schedules, and the effort required to adhere to strict beauty standards – the mainstay of the country’s multibillion-dollar entertainment industry. In recent years, several South Korean entertainers lost their lives to depression-induced suicides, including among others, Kim Jong Hyun, Lee Hye Ryeon (U;Nee), Jang Ja Yeon and Park Yong Ha.

Joen Tae Soo is best known for his antagonist role in the 2010 TV show, Sungkyunkwan Scandal. Haewadal Entertainment indicated that his funeral “will be held as soon as possible by the family members and close acquaintances.”