Police were dispatched after renowned pianist Lim Dong Hyek posted a message on social media that appeared to suggest self-harm, authorities said Tuesday. He was later transported to a hospital and is reportedly in stable condition.
According to Yonhap News on December 16, the Seocho Police Station in Seoul responded to a report at around 8:30 a.m. expressing concern for Lim’s safety. Police located him at a residence in Seocho-dong, Seocho District, and ensured he was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. Officials said his life is not in danger.
Earlier that morning at 7:34 a.m., Lim posted a message on Instagram stating that he had struggled with severe depression throughout his life as a performer. In the post, he expressed gratitude to those who had supported him, wording that raised concerns about a possible extreme decision.
Lim is widely regarded as one of South Korea’s most prominent classical pianists. He gained international recognition after winning prizes at the 'Chopin International Piano Competition,' the 'Tchaikovsky Competition,' and the 'Queen Elisabeth Competition,' and is credited with cultivating one of the first large-scale public fan bases for a classical musician in Korea.
In a separate matter, Lim was indicted in 2020 on charges related to solicitation at a massage establishment in Seoul’s Gangnam District. In September, a first-instance court sentenced him to a fine of 1 million KRW (about 680 USD). Authorities have not disclosed further details regarding his current condition, citing privacy concerns.
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