The American agricultural scientist won the 1970 Nobel Peace Prize for pioneering the Green Revolution and developing high-yielding crops that helped to prevent hundreds of millions of people from dying through famine.

Read more about Norman Borlaug at Timesonline & Wiki

Scientists are often unsung heroes. We should sometimes reflect on what we are enjoying these days and thanks those folks that make things happen for us.

Norman Borlaug (1914-2009) from YeinJee's Asian Blog

A great storyteller whom I personally admired, and a wonderful filmmaker adored by people regardless of races or religions. Rest in peace.

Sharing one of her last works, “Funeral”, a heart-warming TV commercial for Singapore’s Ministry of Community Development…

Yasmin Ahmad (1958 – 2009) from YeinJee's Asian Blog

I grew up listening to his songs, and despite all the controversies surrounding his life, Michael will always be the King of Pop in my heart… he will be sorely missed.

Rest in peace Michael.

Michael Jackson (1958-2009) from YeinJee's Asian Blog

Most famous for his numerous villain roles, Shek had starred in more than 300 dramas and movies in a career that spanned over 50 years.

Westerners would probably known him for his play in 1972 film “Enter The Dragon” as the nemesis of another Chinese legend, Bruce Lee…

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Shek Kin (1913-2009) from YeinJee's Asian Blog

Roh left a suicide note on his computer that he was going through hard times, apparently referring to the recent bribery probe surrounding him and his family [more on Yonhap]

Roh, 62, was South Korea’s President in 2003-2008. He moved to Bongha Village, near his birthplace, after leaving the office in March 2008.

Reports have suggested that investigation on Roh and his family is likely to be ended following his death; and it might be what Roh was hoping for.

His death still sounds fishy though… leaving a suicide note on PC instead of a hand written one? And amusingly discovered by his aides in hours? Who would bother to check his PC shortly after his death? It’s just a bit too convenient imo.

Former S. Korean President dies in suspected suicide from YeinJee's Asian Blog

Woo’s family revealed that she was suffering from serious depression because of both work and relationship issues, and was receiving treatment at a hospital.

Wonder when this suicide trend is going to end; as mentioned by Javabeans, “it’s a sad day when news like this is no longer shocking…” couldn’t say it any better.

Rest in peace.

Another Korean celebrity suicide from YeinJee's Asian Blog

Sharing one of her hit songs below, “Leaf”, released in 2003. I’ve always love her singing; she will be missed, rest in peace…

Taiwanese singer Ah-Sang died of breast cancer from YeinJee's Asian Blog

Koreans were shocked by numerous celebrity suicide incidents in 2008, including the death of Ahn Jae-hwan, Choi Jin-shil and a few lesser known artists.

The unfortunate trend seems to continue in 2009 with the death of Jang on March 7th, while trot singer Lee Chang-young was also found dead in an apparent suicide on March 12th.

Jang was initially ruled to have ended her life because of stress/depression, but the situation took a sudden twist following revelation from Jang’s ex-manager, Yoo, that Jang’s suicide was a conspiracy.

Yoo said that Jang had requested him (on Feb 28) to hand over a seven-page document to her family should anything happen to her; and the document hinted that Jang (and some other female artists) might have been physically and sexually abused by prominent figures in the entertainment industry.

The revelation has caused uproar in the Korean public, and Yoo himself is said to have attempted suicide on March 14th because of the immense pressure. The police is now investigating into the claims [with reference from Hanfever and Seoulbeats]

Hope that justice could be served. Rest in peace.

[update] Police are seriously investigating the scandal. CEO of Jang’s former agency has been arrested.

South Koreans shaken by latest actress suicide from YeinJee's Asian Blog

The former porn star turned TV personality and best selling writer was found dead in her house in late December, but her body was decayed and initial autopsy failed to determine the cause.

Rumours had been flying around that she committed suicide for various reasons; and there were speculations that she was murdered instead. Seems like Iijima’s soul can finally be put to rest now.

Ai Iijima was one of the most popular adult video idols in early 90s; she later turned into mainstream TV shows and made her breakthrough in 2000 with her semi-autobiographical novel “Platonic Sex”.

She continued to build on the novels’ popularity and became a regular TV personality; she also started actively involving in AIDS awareness campaigns.

Iijima announced her retirement in March 2007, stating health reasons, which unfortunately taken its toll in the end. Rest in peace.

Ai Iijima died of pneumonia (1972-2008) from YeinJee's Asian Blog

Choi was found dead on October 6; he was the second entertainer who committed suicide following the death of actress Choi Jin-shil last week. Earlier on October 3, transsexual entertainer Jang Chae-won committed suicide ala Choi Jin-shil’s method.

Initial police investigations suggested that Kim committed suicide because of career block and online harassment of his sexual preference, while Jang chose the path because of a broken relationship.

I’ve read somewhere that there was at least another two copycat suicide since Choi’s death… and the Korean authorities are fearing that the suicide chain would create a domino effect in the Korean society, which is already fragile with their high suicide rate.

Stop blaming the internet

The Korean government is drafting a law against malicious rumours and slandering via the internet, as the online harassment is seen as one of the major causes of entertainers’ suicide.

I doubt the law could work though; and the effect would be minimal even if it works, because the problem is not the internet itself… it’s a cultural and society problem.

Internet is just a medium that pulled the final trigger; there are still other mediums for spreading rumours and slanders… what the Koreans need are to find the root cause and solve the problems once and for all.

Another Hallyuwood suicide from YeinJee's Asian Blog

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Korean actress Choi Jin-shil commits suicide from YeinJee's Asian Blog

Besides his illustrious acting career, Newman was also a philanthropist. He co-founded food company Newman’s Own in 1982, from which he donated all his profits (over $250 million) to charity.

Below is a tribute video to Paul by Newman’s Own Foundation; rest in peace…

Paul Newman (1925-2008) from YeinJee's Asian Blog

Early investigation suggested that he died of smo­ke in­h­al­atio­n by burning charcoal inside the car. He left a suicide note expressing his love for his wife, comedian-actress Jung Sun-hee, whom he married in November 2007.

It’s unknown if he had stated the reason(s) for his suicide in his final note, but it’s believed that he ended his life because of financial stress from business failure.

Rest in peace Ahn Jae-hwan. My condolences to his wife and family.

Korean actor Ahn Jae-hwan committed suicide from YeinJee's Asian Blog