Shim Jaehyun, best known as Jaehyun and a former member of the K-pop boy group F.ABLE, has died at the age of 23 following a private battle with leukaemia. The news, which initially spread through acquaintances on June 29, was later confirmed by friends, former colleagues and fans online. His death, like that of actress Lee Seo-Yi whose passing was also belatedly announced, has shocked the South Korean entertainment community.

Quiet battle with leukaemia

Although Jaehyun’s declining health had not been made public, it has since been revealed that the young artist had been silently undergoing treatment for leukaemia over the past few years. Details surrounding the condition and the circumstances of his death remain limited.

Following confirmation from those close to him, tributes began flooding social media platforms on July 2, with fans and netizens mourning the tragic loss and honouring his memory with messages like ‘rest in peace.’

An idol remembered

As news of Jaehyun’s death spread, fans began sharing their grief online. Among those who paid tribute was his former bandmate Hojun, who posted an emotional message to his Instagram Story, tagging Jaehyun’s account and sharing personal memories through photos.

“Jae Hyun, I heard the news too late… I’m so sorry I couldn’t be there for your last journey,” Hojun wrote. “I sometimes think about how I could have done better, and it’s regretful. I hope you can shake off all your worries and live comfortably there. Thank you for the past five years. I hope you’re eating lots of delicious food and doing well there. Come visit me in my dreams.”

The short-lived rise of F.ABLE

Born on 7 April 2002, Shim Jaehyun made his K-pop debut in June 2020 as the youngest member, or maknae, of the five-member boy group F.ABLE under Haeirum Entertainment. The group entered the competitive K-pop scene with their digital single ‘Burn It Up’ on June 4, 2020, following delays in their initial debut schedule.

Despite their talent, F.ABLE struggled to break into the saturated K-pop mainstream. As the group faded into obscurity, their activities dwindled, and they eventually disbanded three years later. While three of its members—Sihoon, Junhyeong, and Jeong—went on to form a new group called ENPHAZE, Jaehyun stepped away from the public eye.

The group had previously released a handful of digital tracks including ‘Run Run Run’ and ‘Baby Don’t Cry’, but their online activity ceased in 2023, leaving fans speculating about their future.