Ladies' Code Member EunB Killed, Others Critical Following Van Accident on Way to Seoul

One of the brightest groups in K-Pop was struck by tragedy on Wednesday morning. A van carrying the group Ladies' Code was involved in an accident that left at least one member dead and several others with severe injuries. Member Go "EunB" Eun-bi was declared dead at the scene. She was 21 years old. Member Rise is reportedly in critical condition according to Billboard and performer SoJung was also hospitalized with injuries. No other passengers suffered serious injuries.

The van was traveling to Seoul when one of its back wheels came off, according to initial reports. The vehicle slid on the wet road and ran into a guard rail. Police are investigating to see if speeding may have been a factor but no charges have been brought thus far. The Wall Street Journal accurately reported that the accident reflects upon two issues in Korea: The often packed schedules of music stars in the country and the difficulty in maintaining such as a schedule-the employees of the performers undergo the same rigors, and it should be noted the accident happened around 1:30 A.M.-plus the unsafe driving conditions of many South Korean roads. Fellow K-Pop performers Infinite and Dal Shabet have also been involved injured in traffic accidents during 2014.

Tributes and sympathy was quick. The group's single "I'm Fine Thank You" shot to no. 1 on Melon, a Korean chart tracking K-Pop sales. Yoon Bora, a member of K-Pop group Sistar shed tears while paying tribute to EunB and accepting an award at the Korean Broadcast Awards later that day.

Billboard had named Ladies' Code one of the five up-and-coming K-Pop acts to watch during 2014.