The 24-year-old K-pop idol's father died on Monday, May 7 after suffering a chronic illness.
- May 9, 2018
AceShowbiz - EXO's Kai is mourning the death of his father. On Tuesday, May 8, his agency SM Entertainment confirmed that the actor/dancer's father passed away on May 7 due to a chronic illness. "Kai's father passed away yesterday after suffering a chronic illness," the statement read.
The statement added that the 24-year-old Hallyu star "is currently at the wake" with his family "and a funeral will be held quietly for family and relatives." The agency also asked people to respect the family's privacy in this difficult time, stating, "We ask for your consideration, so the family may grieve his father's passing."
EXO members and SM Entertainment staff are expected to go and pay their respects. Kai's EXO bandmates will also likely attend the funeral.
Fans have since taken to Twitter to show their support for their idol. "Jongin's father was the reason why we have Exo's Kai right now. He was the one who told Jongin to audition so he will buy him a new nintendo," one paid respect to Kai's father, "this news saddens me so much knowing how a family person Jongin is. My deepest condolences to Jongin and his family."
Jongin's father was the reason why we have Exo's Kai right now. He was the one who told Jongin to audition so he will buy him a new nintendo 😢 this news saddens me so much knowing how a family person Jongin is. My deepest condolences to Jongin and his family ðŸ˜
— Bri 🌻 #PrivébyBBH (@baekthemochi) May 8, 2018
Another similarly wrote, "It was Jongin's dad who pushed him to audition. His dad always believe in him and always support him. Without his dad their wouldn't be a Kai of EXO and a Kim Jongin. We're thankful bc Jongin has a dad like you. Rest in peace Jongin's dad. Always guide Jongin."
It was Jongin's dad who pushed him to audition. His dad always believe in him and always support him. Without his dad their wouldn't be a Kai of EXO and a Kim Jongin. We're thankful bc Jongin has a dad like you. Rest in peace Jongin's dad. Always guide Jongin.
— ê¹€ì¢…ì¸ (@exokimxkai) May 8, 2018
"His father was the reason he's EXO Kai today... Rest In Peace," read another tweet.
His father was the reason he’s EXO Kai today... Rest In Peace.
— Daya 💎 (@jonginization) May 8, 2018
Kai, whose real name is Kim Jong In, is the youngest of three children, and the only boy in the family. He previously revealed that his father was the reason he joined SM Entertainment to become an idol. In an interview with Sports Seoul, he said that his dad filmed videos of him dancing and sent them to the agency, landing his son an audition.
Following the sad news, Kai is re-organizing his schedule for his drama filming. He has been cast on KBS' melodrama "Miracle That We Met" which is currently airing every Monday and Tuesday at 10:00 P.M. (KST).
