Jonghyun dead: Lead singer of K Pop band SHINee dies aged 27

Singer was reportedly found unconscious in his apartment and was pronounced dead in hospital

The lead singer of one of Korea's most popular boybands has died aged 27.

Kim Jong-hyun - known as Jonghyun - performed as part of the chart-topping act SHINee. He is believed to have taken his own life, according to Reuters via local reports.

Police reportedly found the singer unconscious in his apartment in Cheongdam-dong in the Gangnam district after his sister filed a report with concern for his welfare.

"On 18 December, 2017 at 4.42pm, Jong-hyun's older sister reported to police that her brother was about to take his own life," a statement said.

Tributes from heartbroken fans have poured in on social media. One tweeted: "Such a strong vocalist and such a good songwriter."

Another said: "He wrote one of my favourite K Pop songs, 'Breathe'. He had so much more to give. I'm so sorry he was in so much pain to do this. RIP Kim Jong Hyun."

SHINee, originally formed in 2008, released their fifth Japanese album Five this year and toured in Japan until April. Referred to as "the Princes of K Pop" thanks to their incredible dance routines and live performances, they achieved hits with songs including "Replay", "Dream Girl" and "Sherlock".

Anyone concerned about mental health or depression can contact Samaritans for confidential support in the UK on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org