Per reporter: Wen Menghua Bi Yuanyuan Per editor: Yang Xia
Tall brow bones, slender eyeliner, nude lips, long wavy hair... Coco Li Min has always been the enlightenment of pop music in the minds of countless people, and the image of health and fashion is the common memory of a generation.
In front of the audience, Li Min is highly self-disciplined and always full of vitality. People who have come into contact with Li Min recall that Li Min's hearty laughter can be heard from a distance of 10 meters. Facing the camera, Li Min also has a set of signature greetings, her eyebrows are crooked, revealing a mouthful of white teeth: Hello, I am coco Li Min.
Li Min once said in an interview: "I am a very hard worker, but I don't rest. My life is singing, you take my voice away, I feel like I don't have my life. "In the eyes of many peers and partners, she is dedicated, kind, hardworking, she is strict with her performance, and strives to present the perfect stage for the audience. Having appeared on the Oscar stage as an Asian, she has never indulged in her past achievements, but has been pursuing the career she loves.
During a commercial performance, Li Min apologized to fans for poor performance due to equipment problems. Image source: Li Weibo screenshot
However, as Maupassant said, "I feel that people's vulnerability and strength are beyond my imagination", and after years of battling depression, Li Min chose to end his brilliant life at the age of 48.
On the evening of July 5, Li Min's sister Li Silin posted on Weibo, saying that Li Min unfortunately suffered from depression a few years ago, and his condition has recently taken a sharp turn for the worse, and he died at home on July 2, and finally died on July 5.
Li Min's second sister released Li Min's obituary. Image source: Li Silin Weibo screenshot
Li Min's departure plunged the family into great grief. On July 6, Li Silin said sadly in an interview with the media that his heart seemed to be shattered, and he had not slept in the past few days, and he couldn't believe it. Every time I entered the ward, I looked at my sister's heartbeat instrument and breathing instrument index, stared at it every second, and when I heard a beep, people trembled. "The doctor said she would leave at any moment and told us to plan for the worst, the worst. The most heart-wrenching is my elderly mother, she is in her 80s, she refused to sit down from 9 o'clock to 11 o'clock, in order to make a final effort, my mother is a wonderful Chinese doctor, must drop needles on the top of her head, because Li Min's brain cells are dead, but she refuses to give up when she dies. ”
Li Min sang "I Hate My Infatuation" in "Endless Sound". Image source: Li Weibo
Since 2000, more than 25 domestic and foreign star artists and actors have died of depression. Behind the glamorous stage, artists also have the joys and sorrows of ordinary people. Lan Ao, a national second-level psychological counselor, said that the current public has high expectations for stars, and many people hope that their idols are perfect. In the spotlight, stars have moved away from having the happiness of ordinary people. He advised young people to grasp the endurance of life and the endurance of the present.
The "female warrior" fell to earth
"I hope you are healthy and happy"
"It's very sad, she brings us incredible happiness." An agent friend who had taken Li Min lamented to the "Daily Economic News" reporter.
On the 30th anniversary of her debut, Li Min has always shown a positive image of singing and dancing, and the audience rarely sees negative parts in her. As her agency, Warner Music, puts it, Li Min has always "used singing, dancing and positive energy to make everyone feel the power she hopes to bring to everyone." Then behind all this sunshine, Li Min has long suffered from depression and other diseases, and due to the recent deterioration of her condition, she still chose to end her life on July 2.
The generation of singers who sang "Good Mood", "Moonlight Lover", "365 Days of Thinking of You", "Myself", "Beautiful Stupid Woman", "Dao Ma Dan" and many other classic and popular song queens for everyone, fell and left us forever.
Li Min's last Weibo was the official announcement "War Song" released on May 20 this year, which was her last song and the last footnote of her short life of 48 years.
"Pain has been blurred by blood and tears, doubts have been renewed, and fate has been promised." Li Min said that life has to face a lot of difficulties and pains, bravely challenge, to pursue, you are a warrior.
The last "War Song" released by Li Min before his death. Image source: Li Weibo screenshot
In fact, on the day of her death, "female warrior" Li Min also sent a voice to fans: "I feel everyone's love and support for me, and then you will be my backing, I will cheer." What about this time, I hope you yourself are healthy and happy, I miss you very much, I will work hard, I miss you love you love you. ”
Image source: Audio screenshot
In front of and behind the camera, people who see Li Min almost all evaluate her as follows: sunshine, happy, happy, hearty, "art, artistic attainment, etc., is a very perfect artist." Zun Long once praised: she is very typhoon, not only good figure, but also strong personality.
After Li Min's death, Deng Ziqi, Wen Bixia, Jolin Tsai, Wang Xinling and countless other people in the entertainment industry posted articles to mourn Li Min, remembering the bright smile and unforgettable memories she brought to friends and the world.
"I can't believe it, you always have a sweet and warm smile, you are always full of courage and courage to face all stormy challenges, I can't imagine how much you have experienced, I can't imagine how much pain is hidden behind your smile, I will always miss you." Deng Ziqi said.
Deng Ziqi posted a message to mourn Li Min. Image source: Deng Ziqi Weibo screenshot
Physically and mentally devastated
I have bravely unveiled it, and I have also worked hard to rebuild my self-confidence
In the eyes of the outside world, becoming famous at a young age and producing flowers along the way, Li Min's life is shining enough and successful enough, but many people ignore the many hardships and hardships she faces in her life. The enthusiastic Li Min, who has suffered many illnesses and undergone surgery during her lifetime, has experienced pain and bravely opened up and worked hard to rebuild her self-confidence.
In February this year, Li Min recalled on Weibo that she had an unsuccessful operation on her left leg when she was a child, and confessed, "In fact, I have been singing and dancing on stage for so many years and rely on my right leg to support." ”
She said that after years of enduring the pain, she is now unable to live normally. God forced her to face it. In early October last year, during the line dance, Li Min was too hard, touched the old disease, the hip joint was displaced, and the nerve line was suppressed without the protection of cartilage. So I decided to go back into the hospital and "face the biggest challenge of my life and the biggest fear of my life."
Li Min underwent surgery for a defect in her left leg. Image source: Li Weibo
Earlier, in February 2016, Li Min also revealed that he had to completely lose his voice because of acute bronchitis and had serious problems in his throat.
Li Min's personal life seems to have been full of thorns. Before Li Min was born, her father died of illness, and the three sisters all grew up by their mothers. In 2011, Li Min and Bruce Rockowitz, CEO of Li & Fung Group, announced their marriage after 8 years of long-distance love. In 11 years of married life, Li Min and her husband have never had children, and Li Min has been working hard. She once admitted in an interview that she could not conceive naturally due to physical reasons, so she had been trying artificial insemination, not only taking a lot of medicine, but also taking egg injections. Before and after, Li Min underwent artificial insemination many times, but all of them ended in failure.
At the same time, rumors of marriage changes also spread. In 2020, she posted on Weibo that "I need great courage and time to heal my broken heart."
But no matter what kind of hardships he experiences in life, Li Min will greet him with a smile when facing the audience: Hello, I am Coco Li Min.
Image source: Li Weibo
"Everyone is really good" is a household name
Both music and business achievements are international
Li Min, who belongs to the stage, is star-studded. As early as the age of 17, Li Min formed an indissoluble bond with singing. Looking back on the past 29 years, she has constantly surpassed herself from singing to dancing, and returned the love of her life with a dazzling and brilliant stage.
In 1992, Li Min participated in the California Regional Song Contest and won the championship. A year later, she returned to Hong Kong, China to participate in the rookie singing competition held by TVB, and made her debut in Hong Kong. The following year, Li Min released his debut album "Love Is Now", which sold more than 200,000 copies a week.
At the age of 23, Li Min was invited by the World Cup organizers to sing the promotional song "Color", which made her the first Asian artist to appear on the stage of the World Cup opening ceremony. In the same year, she also jumped into the ranks of first-line divas with "Di Da Di".
Li Min, who shined confidently at the Spring Festival Gala, made "Di Da Di" a golden song on the streets. After that, in 2014, 2017, 2021 and 2022, Li Min appeared on the CCTV Spring Festival Gala many times.
Li Min album cover. Image source: QQ Music
"We are proud of her efforts to open up a new world for Chinese singers in the international music scene, and go all out to shine for the Chinese." Li Silin wrote.
Sexy hot wind, vibrant state, with a sense of power singing, bright and moving state... In the context of the millennium, Li Min's appearance is special and advanced.
As the first Chinese singer to debut in the American music industry, Li Min is the first Chinese singer to sing at the Oscars, and the first Chinese singer to be invited to hold a solo concert at Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles, USA; She has been a guest concert for Michael Jackson and has sung the Chinese theme song "Myself" for Disney's animated and live-action film Mulan.
The brightest moment was the 2001 Oscars. That year, "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon", directed by Ang Lee, received ten nominations and finally won the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film, among which "A Love Before Time" sung by Lee Min, also known as "Moonlight Lover" - was nominated for Best Song.
It was a nostalgic moment when Academy Award winner Bill Condi conducted the Gala Orchestra, and after the melodious sound of music, three dancers presented an authentic Chinese kung fu performance, transporting audiences around the world back to the scene of martial arts more than 100 years ago. Subsequently, Li Min, who wore a red cheongsam and symbolized the beauty of oriental women, slowly walked from the steps, and she left a strong mark on the international stage with her natural sound.
Before taking the stage, Li Min deliberately dyed her hair black, she constantly emphasized that she is a Chinese with black hair and yellow skin, and it is her mission to bring Chinese music to the world. "I'm the first Asian to sing at the Oscars, I must sing hard!"
That year, Li Min, who was only 26 years old, was evaluated by Time magazine as the "light of the Chinese".
Since his debut, Li Min has held many solo concerts, the most recent of which was the 2017 CoCo Li Min 18 World Tour, the world's first stop at Shenzhen Bay Stadium. At the beginning of this year, Li Min also closely followed the trend of the times and brought a fully virtual VR concert in PICO.
According to the incomplete statistics of Li Min's Weibo, from 2013 to 2019, Li Min successively became the spokesperson of Saifel jewelry, the spokesperson of the Hong Kong Cancer Foundation of China, and the first Asian brand image spokesperson of Coco Chanel. Earlier, in 2001, Li Min also became Chanel's first Chinese spokesperson; The Haodi shampoo endorsed by Li Min, the slogan "Everyone is really good" is even more well-known and has become the childhood memory of many post-90s.
According to Hong Kong media reports, relevant people familiar with the matter said that Li Min made a will, and all property will be left to Li Min's mother.
Li Min and her family take a group photo. Image source: Li Silin Weibo video screenshot
Today, Li Min's husband Bruce and Li Min's two sisters issued an obituary together: "We would like to announce with great grief and reluctance: after a long battle with depression, Li Min CoCo passed away on July 5, 2023 at the age of 48, accompanied by all his family. CoCo is a beautiful, warm and kind person both inside and out. She is an all-round singer-songwriter, a talented performer, a mentor who cares for the younger generation, a beloved wife, a beloved friend and a dear family member. Her enthusiasm and sincerity bring sunshine to everyone around her. She will be deeply missed by the many lives she touched. Her influence and brilliance will last forever. Details of the funeral are to be determined and will be announced at a later date. Later, Li Min's sister posted on Weibo that Li Min's memorial service should be held in August.
Image source: Li Min's husband Bruce's personal social media
In the past 20 years, more than 25 artists have died of depression
"Accept yourself and be resilient"
The news of Li Min's sudden death has once again made depression the focus of people's attention.
Speler, a well-known American expert on depression, once said: "Depression often attacks those who are the most ambitious, creative and serious at work." "Historical figures such as Newton, Darwin, Lincoln, Churchill, etc. have suffered from depression.
The glamorous back of the artist's work is a living person and real life, and many artists have been under extremely high pressure. For a long time, the entertainment industry seems to be a "high incidence area" for depression. From Leslie Cheung in 2003, to Qiao Renliang in 2016, and then to Korean artist Choi Shirley in 2019, they all died of depression. According to incomplete statistics from the reporter of "Daily Economic News", since 2000, more than 25 domestic and foreign star artists and actors have died of depression.
Leslie Cheung also died of depression, and fans will always miss him. Image source: Maoyan Entertainment
In 2019, Zu Feng, who brought his self-directed and self-acted work "Six Desires" to the Pingyao International Film Festival, talked about depression during a dialogue activity.
In the movie, Zu Feng plays a policeman who suffers from depression due to the suicide of his girlfriend. Through this film, he learned more about depression. In an interview with the media, he once lamented that artists are a "profession that no one feels sorry for", and "if everyone makes mistakes, you, as an artist, will be beaten by more people".
"Many people think that celebrities are more likely to get depression, but in fact, because celebrities are more likely to attract everyone's attention. In fact, not only celebrities, but also many celebrities, technology bigwigs, etc. will have depression. On the evening of July 5, in a live broadcast of the media, Lan Ao, a national second-level psychological counselor, said that depression is equivalent to a cold in the soul, which will break out at certain stages, and if treated in time, there may be good control; However, if the injury continues, it may worsen the symptoms.
In his opinion, the current social public has high expectations for stars, many people hope that their idols are perfect, under this social expectation, many stars will have high requirements for themselves, will become unable to afford to put down, compared to ordinary people they will be more stressed. In the spotlight, all the privacy of the celebrities' lives is magnified, and they have been detached from the happiness of ordinary people.
Lan Ao said: "Many literary and artistic works portray depressed patients are negative, whether it is literary workers or social workers, we need to care more about the needs of others, everyone has peaks and troughs, we must tolerate everyone's needs." ”
Life is not as good as we think, nor is it as bad as we think. When ordinary people face competition and pressure, Lan Ao believes that competition and pressure itself is not bad, the means of competition and the motivation of pressure are good and bad, and vicious competition must be harmful to people's pressure.
"In the face of pressure, young people should grasp two degrees: one is the endurance of life; The second is the current psychological endurance, which many people are ignored, more people care about the current endurance, all things are endured, become 'hollow people', but in fact, we have to consider endurance, not endurance. Lan Ao said frankly that many people can't accept themselves as a resilient person, because a person is very elastic, often considered uncertain and childlike, but in retrospect, this is the most valuable psychological ability. I have seen strong winds and waves, and I can still embrace society and embrace pressure with a very simple and enthusiastic mood.
Daily economic news