”FTISLAND” Lee HONG-KI pays tribute to the late Kim Ri-ul, ”BTS Hanbok designer”... ”May you spend your time laughing in a more shining place”

Lee Hong Ki (FTISLAND) mourned the late Kim Rieul.

Hong Ki posted a photo on his Instagram story on the 12th.

The photo contains an image of the late Kim Rieul, who was well-known as the Hanbok designer for BTS, with the text: “Rieul, what was so hard... I'm coming to see you... I hope you are in a more shiny and happy place, always laughing.”

Earlier, on the 11th, Kim Rieul (real name: Kim Jong-won) visited his parents' flat in Namwon, Chollapukht (Jeollabuk-do), and died suddenly while on a phone call with someone.

The police are investigating the case on the assumption that Kim Rieul took his own life. In particular, Kim Rieul's recent social networking post contained the numbers ‘1993-2025’, leading to speculation that he may have planned his death.

Meanwhile, Lee Hong Ki's FTISLAND will hold ‘2025 FTISLAND LIVE “PULSE” IN JAPAN’ Osaka on the 9th March, Aichi on the 19th March and Yokohama on the 22nd and 23rd March.

■Main counselling services for worries introduced on the website of the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare to prevent suicide.
Mental Health Consultation Unified Dial: 0570-064-556
Yorosoi Hotline: 0120-279-338; from Iwate, Miyagi and Fukushima prefectures: 0120-279-226
Inochi no Denwa: 0570-783-556