The entertainment industry is in mourning following the passing of broadcaster and influencer Lee Hee-chul. His sudden death has left his close friends, including Pungja and Jinju, deeply grieving.
Lee Hee-chul passed away on the 7th while undergoing treatment at a university hospital in Seoul. Reports indicate that his sudden passing from cardiac arrest shocked those close to him. He had been hospitalized a week earlier for a chronic illness but succumbed unexpectedly.
The deceased's funeral home has been arranged at the Soonchunhyang Seoul Hospital funeral hall. The funeral will take place at 5 AM on the 10th at Suwon City Yeon Crematorium. Lee Hee-chul's younger brother shared a heartfelt message on his personal social media account:
"Our brother, who was always full of energy and love, suddenly embarked on a long journey to heaven on the 7th due to a myocardial infarction. He cherished and prioritized everyone around him as much as he did his family. Though he seemed strong, he was gentler than anyone else. Please join us in ensuring that his final journey is not lonely and is filled with beauty. We will never forget the precious hearts of each and every one of you."
Broadcasters like Pungja, Hwangbo, Sandara Park, and comedian Jinju, who were close to Lee Hee-chul, expressed their sorrow. Lee Hee-chul had also been active as the visual director of the girl group Classy. Pungja wrote on her social media account:
"My beloved Seoul Salon oppa, Lee Hee-chul, has become a star in the sky today. I still can’t believe it as I write this, but I wanted to share this with those who loved him and those who may not yet have heard. Please pray that he finds peace in a good place."
She added, "His passing was so sudden that I haven't been able to contact all of our acquaintances yet. If you send me a direct message with your contact information, I will guide you to the funeral home."
Pungja, known as one of Lee Hee-chul's closest friends, had appeared with him on KBS2's 'Mr. Househusband Season 2' in August of last year. On the show, she introduced him as "an oppa I love so much" and a "true househusband in this era." At the time, Lee Hee-chul opened his Hannam-dong home to viewers, and Pungja praised him, saying, "He has taken care of me since the day we met. He's an incredible chef, though calling him just a chef feels inadequate. He also has a great sense of trends."
Lee Hee-chul also appeared in November on LG U+ Mobile TV's original show 'Trust and Tell – Let's Be My Chef' Season 2, hosted by Pungja. He participated as the CEO of a restaurant business, showcasing his ability to mentor even novice cooks into talented chefs.
Jinju, a comedian and businesswoman, shared a memorial photo of Lee Hee-chul, expressing her sorrow:
"Our Hee-chul is so beautiful." She also uploaded a video with him and lamented: "What should I do about the promise we made to visit the Philippines together for my birthday next year? I miss you so much already. I can't let you go. Hee-chul, please don’t suffer where you are."
Lee Hee-chul's final social media post has also drawn attention. On December 31st last year, he wrote:
"The year 2024 was so difficult that I often wondered if it was okay to feel this way. To be honest, it was a really hard year for me, both mentally and physically. But I know that hardships lead to growth, so I will face them humbly and firmly, sending them off with gratitude. I will use these difficulties as fertilizer for my health! In 2025, I hope for even better health and a life filled with gratitude at every moment!"
This post, filled with hope and resilience, has made the news of his passing even more heartbreaking for many.
SHARE
