An autopsy report on K-pop star Sulli ‘s death showed no signs of foul play, and while police are still investigating all possibilities, they believe the death was by suicide, the BBC reports.
Sulli was also known for speaking out about cyberbullying. Sulli, whose real name is Choi Jin-ri, stopped working in the industry after struggling with the online abuse she suffered, BBC reports.
Colleagues and experts have both spoken out about her death and the effects of the constant bombardment of malicious comments young female artists face.
“She wasn’t just an issue-maker but I hope she will be remembered as a women’s rights activist who was free-spirited, who could truly speak her mind,” said Kwon Ji-an, a fellow South Korean singer and painter.
LAW CHANGE CAMPAIGN
Fans have now created a petition on the website of the presidential Blue House, an executive office in Korea, to adopt a real-name comment system online.
A poll by survey firm Realmeter, released Wednesday, has revealed nearly 70 per cent of South Koreans support the petition, while 24 per cent are opposed.
“The freedom of expression is a vital value in democratic society, but insulting and hurting someone else’s dignity is beyond that limit,” said Lee Dong-gwi, a psychology professor at Yonsei University in Seoul. “There need to be far harsher penalties for those who violate that law.”
