30 Years On: The Unresolved Mystery of DEUX Member Kim Sung-jae's Sudden Passing

It has been 30 years since the sudden passing of Kim Sung-jae, a beloved member of the iconic K-pop duo DEUX.

Kim Sung-jae passed away on November 20, 1995, at the young age of 24. At the time, DEUX was at the peak of their popularity, making his abrupt departure a profound shock to the entertainment industry and fans alike.

Debuting in 1993 with Lee Hyun-do as DEUX, Kim Sung-jae captivated audiences with hit songs like 'Summer Inside,' 'Look at Me,' and 'We Are.' His exceptional dance skills and trendsetting fashion sense created a cultural phenomenon.

Following DEUX's disbandment after their third album 'FORCE DEUX' in 1995, Kim Sung-jae launched his solo career. He made his solo debut on November 19, 1995, performing his song 'As I Say' on the SBS music show 'Live TV Gayo 20.' Tragically, he passed away just one day after this solo debut performance.

While the police initially cited the anesthetic drug Zoletil as the cause of death, the discovery of 28 needle marks on his body fueled persistent suspicions and unanswered questions. The case remains an unsolved mystery 30 years later. His then-girlfriend, identified as Ms. A, was initially implicated but was acquitted in subsequent trials and a final Supreme Court ruling.

In 2019, SBS's investigative program 'The Story of the Day' attempted to revisit the mystery surrounding Kim Sung-jae's death. However, a legal injunction filed by Ms. A prevented the broadcast. A second attempt by the program was also blocked by a court order.

The memory of Kim Sung-jae continues to resonate. In 2022, he was brought back to the stage as a virtual avatar on the TV Chosun entertainment show 'Avadream.' Meanwhile, Lee Hyun-do is reportedly working on a posthumous fourth DEUX album, utilizing AI technology to recreate Kim Sung-jae's voice. With the family's consent, new music is expected to be released by the end of this year, marking the 30th anniversary of his passing.

Korean netizens have expressed their grief and lingering questions, commenting, "It's already been 30 years, time flies so fast," "It's frustrating that the truth hasn't been revealed yet," and "Kim Sung-jae of DEUX will be remembered forever." Many shared their sadness over the unresolved nature of his death.