South Korean actress Lee Seo-Yi has died at the age of 43, according to an announcement made by her manager through the actress's Instagram account on July 1, 2025.

The actress, born Song Soo Yeon on April 18, 1982, passed away on June 20, 2025, though the news was only revealed more than ten days after her death.

Her manager, Song Seo Bin, shared the heartbreaking news in an emotional post, stating that "our radiant, beautiful, lovely and kind sister became a star in the sky on June 20." The manager added that many fans would be "shocked and saddened by this sudden news" and asked that people "pray so that she can go to a good and beautiful place." The exact cause of Lee's death has not been disclosed.

The announcement came as a shock to fans and industry colleagues, particularly as Lee had been active on social media until recently. Fellow actors and industry peers have expressed their grief and left heartfelt messages of remembrance.

Actor Choi Deok-moon, who worked with Lee in the 2023 film "Killing Romance," expressed disbelief in the comment section, writing, "Why? How did that happen?" Model Lee Chi-seung shared his condolences, writing, "Are you at peace now? I already miss you, Seo-yi."

Lee Seo-Yi began her acting career relatively late, making her debut at age 31 in 2013 with the MBC historical drama "Hur Jun, The Original Story." She gained wider recognition in 2014 for her role in the SBS drama "Cheongdam-dong Scandal," where her nuanced performance captured both viewers and critics. Throughout her career, she appeared in various television dramas including "City of the Sun," "Bravo My Life," "Romance Special Law," and "Pegasus Market."

Her film work included notable appearances in "The King," "The Royal Tailor," "Scarlet Innocence," and "Killing Romance." Her most recent project was the tvN romantic comedy "The Divorce Insurance," which aired from March to May 2025 and starred Lee Dong-wook, Lee Kwang-soo, and Lee Da-hee. The drama concluded its run just weeks before her passing.

Beyond her acting career, Lee was known for her academic achievements and diverse interests.

She studied Czech and Slovak at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies and later pursued graduate studies at Pusan National University. The actress also ran a flower shop while pursuing her acting career, sharing her passion for floral arrangements on social media. She was reportedly preparing to reopen her flower shop in September after three months of repair and update work.

Lee was also known as an avid supporter of the Busan-based baseball team Lotte Giants, frequently expressing her passion for the team online. Her manager described her as someone who "always had courage and perseverance" and noted that "in everything entrusted to my sister, she worked harder than anyone else, even in small roles, and lived with gratitude."

The announcement was made on behalf of Lee's parents, with the manager requesting that those wishing to know where she is resting should contact the manager separately. The sudden loss has left the Korean entertainment industry and her fans mourning the passing of the actress, who is known for her dedication, kindness, and graceful presence both on and off screen.

Originally published on Kpop Starz