Former 'Produce 101' contestant Jeong Joong-ji is dead at 30

K-pop

Published: 23 Sep. 2022, 13:18 Updated: 23 Sep. 2022, 17:48

Former 'Produce 101' contestant Jeong Joong-ji is dead at 30

Jeong Joong-ji, a former contestant on season two of Mnet's ″Produce 101″ in 2018. [CJ ENM]

Jeong Joong-ji, a former contestant on season two of Mnet's audition program "Produce 101," passed away on Sept. 9.

He was 30 years old.

Earlier this week, his mother posted on Twitter, "I am Joong-ji's mom. My son Joong-ji took his own life. I cannot explain in words how I feel right now."

She posted two images, one of herself holding Jeong's black-and-white funeral portrait and one with information about the funeral.

Jeong was a trainee under Wayz Company when he competed in "Produce 101" in 2017. His final ranking was No. 64, meaning he lost out on a place in the 11-member boy band Wanna One.

If you or someone you know is feeling emotionally distressed or struggling with thoughts of suicide, LifeLine Korea can be contacted at 1588-9191 or the Crisis Counseling Center at 1577-0199. The Seoul Global Center offers English-language counseling, contact 02-2075-4180 (+1) to arrange a session. Other international helplines can be found at www.befrienders.org.

BY SHIN MIN-HEE [shin.minhee@joongang.co.kr]