Former F-IV singer Jang Hae-young dies at 45 after battle with cancer

Former F-IV singer Jang Hae-young dies at 45 after battle with cancer

Singer Jang Hae-young, best known as a member of the early-2000s boy band F-IV, has died at the age of 45 after a long battle with cancer.

The news was shared by his former bandmate Kim Hyun-soo on October 10. In a heartfelt social media post, Kim wrote, “Farewell, my friend. Let’s sing again when we meet in heaven,” expressing deep sorrow over the loss.

Born in 1980, Jang made his debut in 1997 as part of the lesser-known group Kid. He later rose to fame in 2002 when he joined F-IV alongside Seo Ji-won and Woo Jung-tae. The group quickly found success with songs like “Girl,” “I’m Sorry,” and “Ring,” earning a loyal fanbase during the early days of K-pop’s boy band boom.

After the group disbanded, Jang pursued a solo career and released the single “I’m Sorry, I’m Ugly” in 2009. Though he stepped away from the limelight, he maintained a quiet presence in the entertainment industry and occasionally appeared on television.

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In 2016, he reunited with his bandmates on JTBC’s variety show Two Yoo Project Sugar Man, where he shared that he had transitioned into a career as a freelance investment consultant. His cheerful personality and humble attitude during the appearance were warmly received by fans who remembered him from his F-IV days.

Jang Hae-young was often praised for his emotive vocals and his ability to convey sincerity through his performances. His voice carried the charm of early-generation K-pop, a period marked by heartfelt lyrics and simple yet memorable melodies.

His passing has left fans and colleagues mourning the loss of a musician who helped shape the early foundations of Korean pop music. Those who knew him remember him not only as a talented singer but also as a kind and grounded person who stayed true to himself even after fame faded.