Late K-Pop Idol Remembered 26 Years After His Sudden Passing At 19

His sudden passing was devastating to the team and fans.

It has been 26 years since the passing of NRG member Kim Hwan Sung.

The late idol passed away on June 15, 2000, at the age of 19. At the time, Kim Hwan Sung reportedly had cold symptoms when he underwent a wisdom tooth extraction. He was later hospitalized after suddenly developing a high fever and difficulty breathing. He eventually fell into a brain-dead state and passed away nine days after being admitted to the hospital.

Last year, singer-turned-producer Jung Won Kwan appeared on the YouTube program Song Seung Hwan’s Wonderful Life and spoke about NRG, whom he had produced, as well as the shock of Kim Hwan Sung’s passing. He revealed, “After their first album, one of the NRG members lost his life due to sepsis,” recalling how devastating the loss had been.

Fellow NRG member Noh Yoo Min also touched fans earlier this year by celebrating Kim Hwan Sung’s birthday. In February, he uploaded a throwback photo with the late singer and wrote, “February 14. Today is the birthday of NRG’s forever friend and youngest member, Antonio Kim Hwan Sung.” He also expressed gratitude to the fans who continue to remember Kim Hwan Sung on both his birthday and the anniversary of his passing.

Kim Hwan Sung debuted as a member of NRG in 1997. The group received much love not only in Korea, but also in China, where they built a strong fanbase. Even 26 years after his passing, Kim Hwan Sung remains remembered by fans and fellow members as NRG’s “forever maknae.”