Police Rescue Pianist Lim Donghyek After Suicide-Related Post on Social Media

Renowned pianist Lim Donghyek (41) posted a message on social media suggesting the possibility of suicide, prompting a police response.

The Seocho Police Station in Seoul announced that at around 8:30 a.m. on December 16, they received a report expressing concern about Lim and responded to the scene in Seocho-gu, where they rescued him. Lim was transported to a nearby hospital and is reported to be in stable condition.

At 7:34 a.m. that day, Lim posted on social media, saying, "I have suffered from severe depression throughout my life as a performer," and added, "Thanks to all of you, I was happy and grateful."

Lim is the first figure in the Korean classical music scene to have built a popular fan base after winning prizes at the world's three major piano competitions: the Chopin, Tchaikovsky, and Queen Elisabeth competitions.