Benjamin Peltonen

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Sulli for The First time in the Korean entertainment industry at the age of 11

In an industry that rewards artists for their peace and quiet off stage, K-pop star Sulli a rebel was.

The actress-singer rose to prominence as a member of the Girl Band f(x). But they came to be known for talking about Mental Health Issues , cyber bullying and women's Rights Issues that remain sensitive in a conservative society like South Korea .

The 25-year-old died at home on Monday.

she remembered by her fans as someone who made it clear that their voice was heard.

As one music critic put it, "you laughed, to laugh when she wanted to, and cried when she wanted to cry. She spoke brazenly. You don't fit the mold. "

From the trainee to the pop star

Sulli , whose real name was Choi Jin-ri in the Korean entertainment scene in 2005 when she was just 11 years old.

she went to audition for Sm Entertainment , one of Korea 's largest entertainment company, and was accepted as an apprentice, a coveted appearance.

In 2009, she made her debut with K-pop Girl Group f(x). The five members of The Group 's debut Album - 피노키오 or Pinocchio - the top of the Korean charts and was one of the biggest K-pop-girl-groups.

(L-R) Victoria Song , Amber Liu , Krystal Jung , Sulli and Luna from Girl Group f(x) -

- "f(x) is probably one of The Most musically innovative groups, the K-has seen pop ever," said K-pop author Joshua Calixto. "The Group was well known for his genre-bending music that, while undoubtedly catchy, adorned with unusual or unexpected elements, the twisted conventions. "

it is also one of The First K-pop acts were to be, internationally, a time when K-pop is recognized, in the lead role in US festival South by Southwest (SXSW) in 2013 - bands such as BTS had not begun to make their mark in The West .

Sulli took But a year later, a break from the entertainment industry.

In 2015, it will end officially, The Group decided to focus mainly on acting.

In 2018, she returned to singing, released a solo debut single with SM with the title of Goblin, in which she played a character with dissociative identity disorder, formerly known as multiple personality disorder.

she was also a talk-show host on a program, known as The Night of The hate comments, the featured celebrities talking about their experiences with hate comments and cyber-bullying.

fights and trolling

What was really her, was her openness - a trait that is not common among K-pop stars, who often remain very private about their lives and their thoughts.

The K-pop industry is also known for the pressure on his idols to maintain a healthy image.

"K-pop artists are called 'idols' in Korea . [Beings] must be ideal, perfect people and artists at all times even in your personal life," said K-pop columnist Jeff Benjamin .

Female-Kpop-stars are expected to have a healthy image

Sulli defied this.

"Female K-pop are expected to be stars, sweet and lovely, while obedience to the public reception. Sulli doesn't fit in this Form. She was raised on purpose your voice and wanted to be heard," said Yoonha Kim, a K-pop critic based in Korea .

she spoke openly about her struggles with Mental Health Issues , cyber bullying, and even your romantic relationships, to do the many K-pop stars are banned from your management.

The 25-year-old insisted that women should dress freely as it pleased them, and was often heavily criticized, because you have to wear a bra in public.

"When I posted The First 'without a bra' photo, it was a lot of talk about it. I was scared and could have hidden, but the reason why I don't is that I want to change me want to prejudice people about it. A part of me wanted to say: "This is not that big of a deal,'".

For all that, she was openly attacked by online trolls, many of whom, as your " actions "controversial", which from their appearance to the pictures that you posted.

Sulli was open

attacked online"many of Sulli critics, even something as harmless as posting pictures of [herself] with her boyfriend was, as a controversial movement," says Calixto.

But she continued to speak, firm in your conviction, that your haters had no right to remain silent.

"you brazen language on the Basis of their own beliefs. This is incorrect, loud and fat female celebrities to risk their entire career, who you are," said Kim.

A true pioneer

Sulli was found dead in her home on Monday. The First police report said there were no signs of Foul Play . Her Close Friends said she was depressed before her death.

Several of the idols have spoken about the need for better support for the stars of the K-pop industry, and the pressure you are under.

Kim Dong-Wan of boy band Shinhwa, wrote on Instagram that a lot of stars are debating a battle which was "to fight, in itself, is, how much disease they carry in their hearts and continue to work, all for the sake of the honey, the fame and the money".

family and friends of Sulli , including your former f(x) - band-colleagues, attended her funeral on Thursday.

to say The Funeral was closed to the media and fans, but Sm Entertainment may later fans farewell. Thousands of fans have paid tribute to her online.

Sulli a comment on Twitter, it was described that was said by their fans, as someone you Can the voice for women's Rights

"for us, it Sulli remember more for the things they fought for",. "She is one of The Few famous and outspoken Korean numbers, which speaks openly about feminism, mental disorders, and body positivity. A true mountaineers. "

"I think people, the supports took care of the Rights of women, in One Way or another," said Kim.

"Many Korean women [now] voicing to fight their desire. Even if you can't hear it can't take anymore, I hope it comforts you a little, in their own way. "

Reporting by Yvette Tan and Wonsang Kim

k-pop, online abuse, south korea, pop music, women

Source of news: bbc.com