Kim Jong-Hyun, better known as Jonghyun, was found unconscious at a Seoul hotel by police after sending his older sister several text messages suggesting suicide, police said.
The messages read "This is my last farewell," "Things have been so difficult," "Please let me go and say I did a good job," prompting his sister to make an emergency call to the police.
Jonghyun, 27, was pronounced dead shortly after being moved to a hospital, police said.
Jonghyun performs during a concert in Hong Kong. Source: AAP
The five-member SHINee are one of the best-known K-pop acts globally and have enjoyed a huge following across Asia and beyond since their debut in 2008.
Known for powerful dance songs and well-orchestrated choreography performed with military precision, the boyband topped the US Billboard World Albums chart several times.
Kim released in 2015 his first solo album that reached number one on the Billboard World Albums chart. He also performed at solo concerts in Seoul last week.
His death sent shockwaves through K-pop fans with social media flooded by messages of mourning.
Photos posted on social media showed throngs of fans standing in front of the Seoul hospital where his body lies.
"SHINee was one of the very first K-pop groups I ever became a fan of and it hurts to think that this is real. Rest in peace," said one fan on Twitter.
"No words can describe how heartbroken I am... Rest in peace, Jonghyun," another tweeted.
South Korean pop culture has conquered a large part of Asia over past decade with its K-pop stars topping charts across the region and its TV dramas enjoying huge popularity.
South Korea has one of the world's highest suicide rates.
If you, or a loved one, are feeling depressed or just need someone to talk to, please contact beyondblue on 1300 22 4636, or Lifeline on 13 11 14.
