SEOUL, South Korea – South Korean actress Lee Seo-yi, also known by her birth name Song Soo-yeon, has tragically passed away at the age of 43. The news of her death, which occurred on June 20, 2025, was belatedly announced by her manager on July 1, 2025, via her official social media account, sending shockwaves through the entertainment industry and among her fans. The cause of death has not been publicly disclosed.
Her manager, Song Seo-bin, shared a heartfelt message on Lee Seo-yi's Instagram, stating, "Our brilliant, beautiful, pretty, and kind unnie became a star in the sky on June 20. I know you all must be shocked and heartbroken by the news of her passing, but please pray that unnie goes to a beautiful place. I'm posting this on behalf of her parents." The unexpected announcement left many stunned, particularly as the actress had remained active on social media until shortly before her passing.
Lee Seo-yi's final acting project was the tvN drama "The Divorce Insurance," which concluded its run in May 2025, making the news of her death, just over a month later, even more poignant. She appeared in the fifth episode of the drama, and had previously expressed her excitement about the brief appearance on her Instagram in September of last year, writing, "It's just a short appearance, but my heart is pounding after a long time." The drama, which premiered on March 31, 2025, featured a cast including Lee Dong-wook, Lee Ju-bin, and Lee Da-hee.
Born on April 18, 1982, Lee Seo-yi began her acting career in 2013 with the MBC historical drama "Hur Jun, The Original Story." She steadily built a diverse filmography, showcasing her talent in both television and film. Her notable drama appearances include the SBS series "Cheongdam-dong Scandal" (2014), while her film credits span a range of genres, including "Madam Ppang-deok" (also known as "Scarlet Innocence," 2014), "The Royal Tailor" (2014), "The King" (2017), and the recently acclaimed "Killing Romance" (2023). She also graced the stage in theatrical productions such as "Good Doctor" (2015) and "Strange People" (2020).
Beyond her acting endeavors, Lee Seo-yi was known for her multifaceted life. She reportedly operated a flower shop in Gwanak-gu, Seoul, which she had temporarily closed in April with plans to relocate in September. Her academic achievements were also notable; she graduated from Hankuk University of Foreign Studies with a major in Czech and Slovak studies and pursued further education at Pusan National University. She was also an avid fan of the Lotte Giants baseball team, often sharing her experiences on social media.
The news of her untimely passing prompted an outpouring of grief from colleagues and fans alike. Actor Choi Deok-moon, who worked alongside her in "Killing Romance," expressed disbelief and sorrow, commenting, "What? Why? How did this happen?" Model Lee Chi-seung also conveyed his condolences, writing, "Rest easy now? I already miss you, Seo-yi." Her bright spirit, talent, and kind nature will be deeply missed by those who knew and admired her.
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