Singer Jindanim (real name Kim Jung-yeop) has passed away at the age of 29, his family confirmed. The news has left fans and fellow musicians in deep mourning.

On January 3, singer Jindanim’s younger sister released an official statement explaining the circumstances surrounding his death. “On the evening of December 17, 2025, my brother Jung-yeop passed away due to an accident,” she shared. “Because the situation was overwhelming, we held a quiet funeral with only close relatives present. However, we felt it was right to inform those who loved my brother and cherished his music of the accurate facts.”

According to the family, Jindanim had been receiving treatment since 2015 for bipolar affective disorder and schizophrenic symptoms. Although he was aware of his condition and made consistent efforts through treatment and medication, his symptoms reportedly worsened rapidly in recent months, reaching a state that was difficult to control.

His sister explained, “Even during his illness, my brother held onto life through his faith and tried to share love and belief with those around him. However, due to the illness, impulsive behaviors repeatedly occurred, and these were symptoms beyond his own will. This caused immense suffering for both him and our family for a long time.”

She firmly emphasized that his death was not a suicide, stating, “We clearly state that this was an accidental fall caused by his condition.”

Recalling his outlook on life, she added, “ My brother used to say, ‘The day I leave will be a joyful day when I go to heaven, so don’t be sad.’ Just like those words, although his passing is heartbreaking, our family believes he has gone to a peaceful place.” She asked the public to remember him “not only through grief, but through the music he left behind and the warmth of his memories.”

Jindanim was laid to rest at Evergreen Arboretum in Anseong, Gyeonggi Province.

A graduate of Fudan University in Shanghai, Jindanim began his music career in 2016 as a member of the Hongdae busking team Si-So. In 2017, he released his first EP Naturalism under the name SingSing. From 2020 onward, he promoted under the name Jindanim, releasing tracks such as “Focus,” “Eternal,” “Venus of the Noon (feat. flantic),” and “Fairytale.”

As tributes continue to pour in, fans remember Jindanim not only for his struggles, but for his sincerity, musical sensitivity, and the quiet warmth he conveyed through his songs.

Sources: Daum