Shim Jaehyun, better known as just Jaehyun and a former member of the K-pop boy group F.ABLE, has untimely passed away at just 23. The heartbreaking news of his demise shocked fans to the core around the same time actress Lee Seo Yi’s death was belatedly announced on social media.
Like the K-drama actress’ case, Jaehyun’s death also made headlines much later despite the news being broken out by acquaintances on June 29. Former colleagues eventually joined the conversation, confirming the devastating revelation. Although details surrounding his health still remain a mystery, it has since been conveyed that the K-pop artist had been silently battling leukemia past recent years.
Shim Jaehyun: What do we know about the former FABLE member
Born on April 7, 2002, Jaehyun made his K-pop debut as F.ABLE’s youngest member aka ‘maknae’ in June 2020. Under the banner of Haeirum Entertainment, he stepped up as the vocalist of a boy group that largely got swept under the mainstream rug. Nonetheless, the five-member music took to the stage with their digital single “Burn It Up” on June 4, 2020, following a delayed debut.
Unfortunately, the idol group fell victim to the expansive K-pop landscape consumed by an overabundance of debuts, leading to the members’ inactivity. Fading further into the background, Jaehyun’s group is understandably disbanded three years later after their debut. Three members of the quintet – Sihoon, Junhyeong, Jeong – ultimately found renewed hope, re-debuting as a new musical collective called ENPHAZE.
The news was shared on his personal Instagram account and additionally confirmed by former groupmate Hojun. pic.twitter.com/uOV5Z2V1VK
— nugu archive 📁 (@nugupromo) July 1, 2025
In light of F.ABLE’s disbandment, Jaehyun’s name became even lesser heard of. On July 2, melophiles took to social media platforms to pay tribute and shares like “rest in peace” for the late singer.
Jaehyun’s ex-bandmate shares heartbreaking message
His former F.ABLE bandmate Hojun eventually relied on the power of social media as well to voice out his painful regrets over losing contact with Shim. In an Instagram Story, he tagged @april_jae_hyun and shared a few snaps of his deceased friend.
Noting that he chanced upon the devastating news too late, he apologised to Jaehyun for not being there with him during his final moments. “I sometimes think about how I could have done better, and it’s regretful,” he wrote online. “I hope you can shake off all your worries and live comfortably here. Thank you for the past five years. I hope you’re eating lots of delicious food and doing well there. Come visit me in my dreams.”