Korean rapper’s fake death stunt sparks widespread criticism

The lure of five minutes of fame comes with money, advertising collaborations, and temporary popularity. Some celebrities decide to enter fake relationships or create drama just to climb to the tops of gossip portals for a while—the more desperate ones fake car accidents or serious illnesses. A moment of sympathy can translate into significant earnings increases. The problem arises when the boundary of good taste is crossed. Then, instead of sympathy, justified criticism emerges.

Jeong Jun-hyeok is widely known as Ch1tkey. On July 29, 2024, the South Korean rapper allegedly fell from a height of about five metres and, after being transported to a hospital, died due to cardiac arrest. The incident was supposed to have happened during a live stream on the roof of a building in Seoul. The rapper supposedly slipped and fell off the edge of the building. However, the story has a catch - the accident never happened, and Ch1tkey is alive and well.

The rapper’s partner played along and posted a heart-breaking farewell on social media. The woman wrote: "I believe you will live freely in the world you dreamed of. You always said you would go higher, you had so many dreams, ambitions, and curiosity. Let’s meet in our dreams. Thank you for loving me every day, I will live remembering you."

Seoul police addressed the alleged suicide. On July 30, 2024, the spokesperson for the unit said in a media statement: "No incident or accident involving Jeong Jun-hyeok - Ch1tkey - was reported around Sangbong-dong, Seoul, on July 29."

The rapper apparently realized that faking death made no sense. He then resurrected himself on social media, writing: "Nice to meet you haha. I apologize to the rappers from Show Me the Money and all TV rappers, I am taking over now." The woman who publicly grieved added: "Today is resurrection day, it’s a happy day. Everyone have fun."

Faking suicide did not gain the approval of commenters. Under the rapper’s photo on Instagram, many people criticized his actions. One of the netizens wrote: "Faking your own death was insane. As an Astro fan, when Moonbin died, it was tragic, and I can't imagine what his family must have gone through, not to mention the fans who had supported him since his debut. Your fans must have been hurt. Was this all for an album? It's not worth it; losing someone causes immense pain, and most of us know it. What the hell was this for?"