It has been 25 years since NRG member Kim Hwan Sung passed away.
(NRG pictured above, with Kim Hwan Sung in the middle.)
The youngest member of NRG, a first-generation "high teen" K-pop star active in the 90s, passed away on June 15, 2000, due to an unknown viral acute respiratory illness. He was 19 years old.
At the time, he was hospitalized for sudden cold symptoms but was moved to the intensive care unit after three days due to a high fever and difficulty breathing. He was unable to recover and fell into brain death before passing away.
As he was not yet twenty years old and actively promoting in the K-pop scene, the sudden news of his death left fans and members in deep sorrow and shock.
In particular, NRG member No Yoo Min pays tribute every year on Kim Hwan Sung's memorial day. Last year as well, No Yoo Min left a message at midnight on the anniversary, saying, "June 15 marks the memorial day of Antonio Kim Hwan Sung, forever maknae and friend of NRG."
During his active days, the late Kim Hwan Sung was close friends with members of H.O.T, Sechskies, Shinhwa, and S.E.S. He was also well-known for his kind personality and handsome visuals, especially recognized as the "best male idol for pulling off a plastic hair band."
Kim Hwan Sung debuted in 1996 as part of Kkebi Kkebi and re-debuted in 1997 with NRG, officially beginning his activities. As one of the original Hallyu stars, NRG received great love, and after Kim Hwan Sung's passing, the boy group continued as a four-member group.
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