The year 2025 has been marked by an overwhelming sense of grief in the Korean entertainment world. The sorrow began early with the heartbreaking deaths of veteran actor Lee Yoon Hee, beloved singer Song Dae Kwan, and actress Kim Sae Ron, whose passing at just 24 years old left fans stunned. Tragedy deepened in March when the nation mourned the loss of Wheesung, a revered R&B vocalist whose smooth voice and emotional depth had touched generations. Yet even after March, the industry continued to say goodbye to cherished talents, from rising stars to legendary figures. In this article, we honor the lives and legacies of those we lost after March, reflecting on the artistry, impact, and memories they leave behind.
Choi Jung Woo
Choi Jung WooActor Choi Jung Woo passed away on May 27, 2025 at the age of 68. A beloved face in the world of Korean dramas, Choi Jung-woo brought depth and warmth to every supporting role he played. With notable appearances in Quiz of God, Dr. Frost, and Standby, he embodied the kind of seasoned grace that anchors a production. His calm delivery and fatherly screen presence made him a go-to actor for roles requiring gravitas. Choi Jung Woo left behind decades of performances that helped define the golden age of K-drama. In the tributes, a fellow actor tributed Jung Woo as a true professional, a pillar of stability on every set.
Lee Seo Yi
Actress Lee Seo Yi passed away on June 20, 2025 at the age of 43. Known for her roles in Cheongdam-dong Scandal and The Divorce Insurance, Lee Seo Yi (born Song Soo Yeon) passed away suddenly in late June, leaving fans and colleagues in shock. She was praised for her emotional range and ability to portray complex women on screen. Though the cause of death was not publicly disclosed, her final social media posts revealed a soul grappling with pain — now immortalized in heartfelt fan tributes. Lee Seo Yi’s memorial wall was filled with heartwarming tributes including one that said, “She made the ordinary feel powerful. She made us feel seen.”
Shim Jaehyun
Former F.ABLE member Jaehyun passed away on June 29, 2025 at the age of 23. Shim Jaehyun, once a rising star as part of the boy group F.ABLE, passed away following a long, private battle with leukemia. His death was announced on July 2, shaking fans who had no idea of his condition. Jaehyun was known for his gentle demeanor, powerful vocals, and radiant smile. His bravery in facing illness away from the spotlight is now seen as a quiet act of strength and humility. Among millions of fan tributes was one that said, “He was always smiling — even when he had every reason not to”.
Kang Seo Ha
Actress Kang Seo Ha passed away on July 13, 2025 at the age of 31. Kang Seo Ha’s career was just beginning to blossom, with recent performances in In the Net and Mangnaein earning critical praise. Sadly, she passed away due to stomach cancer, a battle she fought privately. Her death sparked conversations on the pressures young actors face and the toll it takes on health. Known for her soft-spoken charm and emotional intelligence on screen, Kang’s absence is deeply felt among rising stars. An industry columnist tributed the late actress asserting that her presence lingered long after the credits rolled.
As we look back on the immense talent we have lost, we’re reminded that the people behind the music, dramas, and performances are more than entertainers — they are storytellers, dreamers, and voices that shaped lives across continents. Whether through a song that comforted a lonely heart or a scene that made someone believe in hope again, each of these artists gave us a piece of themselves. While their time with us was cut far too short, their light lives on in the hearts of fans.
—-Karen Mwenda
#GoneButNotForgotten #KpopKDramaStarsLostInEarly2025 #kcrush #koreanactor #koreanactress #kdrama #kpop #passedaway #condolences #kcrushamerica #kcrushmagazine #KangSeoHa #ShimJaehyun #FABLE #LeeSeoYi #ChoiJungWoo #koreanentertainer #korean #koreanculture #sympathy #honoringstarslost #whopassedawayin2025 #love #knews
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