South Korean actress Lee Seo-Yi, known for ‘The Divorce Insurance,’ dies suddenly at 43

South Korean actress Lee Seo-Yi, best known for her role in the SBS series Cheongdam-dong Scandal and most recently seen in tvN’s The Divorce Insurance, has died at the age of 43. The news was confirmed by her manager through a heartfelt post on her official Instagram page.

Sudden passing announced online

Lee Seo-Yi, whose birth name was Song Soo-yeon, passed away on June 20, though the cause of death has not been revealed. Her manager shared the news with fans via social media, writing, "A radiant, beautiful, kind-hearted sister became a star in the sky on June 20. I share this news with deep sorrow."

The post further stated, "I know many of you will be shocked and heartbroken by this sudden news. Please pray for her so she may rest in a peaceful and beautiful place. I am posting this on behalf of her mother and father."

The announcement has left fans and fellow artists shocked, mourning the loss of an actress remembered for both her on-screen presence and her grace off-screen.

A late start, but a lasting impression

Born on April 18 1982, Lee Seo-Yi did not follow the conventional route into the entertainment world. She made her acting debut in her 30s with the 2013 MBC historical series ‘Hur Jun’, ‘The Original Story’. Her breakout role came the following year in ‘Cheongdam-dong Scandal’, where her sensitive performance earned her attention from both viewers and critics.

Until May this year, she had been appearing in the romantic comedy drama ‘The Divorce Insurance’, where she played a baker. The show features a star-studded cast including Lee Dong Wook, Lee Joo Bin, Lee Kwang Soo, and Lee Da Hee.

In addition to her recent projects, Lee was seen in various dramas and films over the years. Her television credits included ‘City of the Sun’, ‘Bravo My Life’, ‘Romance Special Law’, and ‘Pegasus Market’. On the big screen, she held supporting or cameo roles in productions such as ‘Killing Romance’, ‘How to Live in This World’, ‘The King’, ‘The Royal Traitor’, and ‘Scarlet Innocence’. She worked alongside some of Korea’s most prominent names including Jung Woo Sung, Han Seok Kyu, and Park Shin Hye.

More than just an actress

Aside from her acting career, Lee Seo-Yi led a multifaceted life. She was a distinguished academic, having majored in Czech and Slovak studies at the Hankuk University of Foreign Studies and pursued graduate education at Pusan National University. She also ran a flower boutique, Bouquet 242, where she expressed her artistic flair through floral arrangements.

Lee’s social media often showcased her love for simple pleasures — flower design, her daily routines, and her unwavering support for the Busan-based baseball team, the Lotte Giants.