RIP Yohan – 5 things to remember about the K-pop star of boy band TST, who left us too soon
Since the popular singer died, aged 28 on June 16, fans of ‘sparkling Yohan’ have found solace in his band TST’s sentimental hit Paradise, with eerily appropriate lyrics including ‘I hope you have a good day next time’
Yohan from K-pop band TST passed away on June 16 at age 28. The band’s agency KJ Music Entertainment released an official statement confirming his death, adding that “it’s such sad and grieving news”. The cause of death has not been revealed at the family’s request.
To celebrate the life of a young talent gone too soon, here are five things to remember about Yohan of TST.
Before TST, Yohan actually debuted as part of the group Nom
Yohan was first introduced to the K-pop scene in 2013 with Nom’s first single, Pretty Sister, serving as the band's lead vocalist. After the debut, the group gained popularity outside Korea, especially in the Philippines, where tickets for a 2014 Manila concert sold out within hours. Nom said in an interview with MK News that its name stands for “not normal”, and that “it would be great if you remember us as special and cool”.
He began his career with TST in 2017
After NOM disbanded, Yohan joined TST, which stands for Top Secret. The band launched on January 1, 2017 with the song Times Up. TST recently made a comeback at the start of this year with the song Countdown.
Yohan enjoyed working hands-on
The star enjoyed editing videos and had his own YouTube channel with TST’s leader Ain, called Yo-I, an abbreviation of Yohan and Ain’s iyagi (story). He always introduced himself as “sparkling Yohan”, alluding to his bubbly character. The duo did all the producing, shooting, editing themselves without help from the agency, with the aim of communicating directly with their fans as authentically as possible. They would post travel and daily vlogs, food reviews, karaoke and make-up challenges.
Paradise is trending again
Following the sad news, TST fans are streaming the song Paradise, causing it to trend anew as a tribute to Yohan. The song came out in 2018 and is about wishing happiness for those who have left for paradise.
Lyrics such as, “I miss you more and more”, and “I hope you have a good day next time”, are particularly poignant at this time for the singer’s fans. Yohan also made a birthday wish on April 16 this year, for more frequent comebacks.