South Korean Singer Cho Min Woong Found Dead at 37: Suspected Cause of Death Divulged

South Korean tenor Cho Min Woong was found dead at the age of 37, local news outlets confirmed.

On Sunday, July 7, Chosun Ilbo and The JoongAng confirmed the sudden death of Cho after receiving the news from industry sources. The opera singer, who became a contestant in Phantom Singer 2, was reportedly found dead by his mother at his home in South Korea on June 29.

Reports said Cho collapsed after suffering from a heart attack. He was alone at his property at the time.

People managing his fan café disclosed that a funeral would be held at a temple to mark the 49th-day memorial service.

Following the news, his colleagues and fans delivered heartfelt tributes and honored Cho.

"Our Min-woong, I hope you're not lonely there and that you laugh and sing to your heart's content and find happiness," one of his friends wrote, while a family member said, "My beloved brother. You sent me a message at 6:41 a.m. saying 'I just woke up' and then this happens suddenly. I'll come see you as soon as I get back to Korea. I'll always love you."

Composer and singer Go Young Bin posted online, "My dear brother. You said we'd see each other soon, why did you have to leave in such a hurry? I'm so sad. Sing beautifully in heaven. I'm sorry and I love you."

"My dear Min-woong, who liked each other a lot and always supported each other. It's so heartbreaking that I'm shocked that I can't get my head around it," singer Kwon Seo Kyung said. "Do your favorite music in the sky as much as you want. I pray for the repose of the deceased."

After his time on the JTBC program, Cho continued his music career by collaborating with other artists like Kim Dong Hyun and Ahn Se Kwon. He also joined Kwon Seo Kyung and Baek Hyung Joon in a concert.

Before his death, Cho marked his latest performance at the KBS' Open Concert in June.

A video of his performance, posted on Ulsan Shidae's YouTube channel, has been receiving comments from fans who expressed their grief after the loss.

More details about his funeral and memorial have not yet been released.