Cause of Singer Shin's Death in Dispute

By Jung Min-ho

Controversy has erupted over the cause of death of rock singer Shin Hae-chul, who was declared dead Monday after falling into a coma after a heart attack.

Some of his acquaintances claim medical negligence on the part of the hospital was to blame, which the hospital outright denies.

Shin Dae-chul of rock band Sinawe and a close friend of the late Shin Hae-chul, accused the Seoul hospital in question of failing to properly perform an operation on Oct. 17 to treat intestinal adhesions and contraction.

"I can't believe that you left, Hae-chul. But I will take vengeance on your behalf," the Sinawe member wrote on his Facebook, indicating that initial treatment was not properly conducted.

Rumors about medical malpractice started swirling after Shin was transferred to Asan Medical Center on Oct. 22 after having a heart attack; this was five days after his initial operation at the Seoul-based hospital.

The hospital in Seoul made an announcement on Oct. 24 that it would take legal action against the sources of the rumors.

A comment from the hospital later that day further angered Shin's family, friends and fans - "There is possibility that Shin took our medical advice lightly because he was a celebrity."

KCA Entertainment, Shin's agency, responded on their client's behalf on Oct.

25. "The comment is very unpleasant, not only for us but also for his family.

"

Kim Chang-ryul, a member of pop group DJ DOC, also criticized the hospital on his Instagram, saying, "This is not right. You bring him back!"

The homepage of the hospital crashed days ago because it had too many visitors.

Yet the hospital in question has not released a formal announcement, rejecting all media contact.

No legal action has been taken...