Lee Hee-cheol, Popular Influencer, Dies at 39

The sudden passing of popular influencer and YouTuber Lee Hee-cheol has left many in shock, as his family has confirmed the cause of death. On January 8, Lee's brother revealed in an interview that the cause was a heart attack (심근경색). He expressed his sorrow, stating, "Although my brother had been feeling unwell recently, he was still healthy. It happened overnight..." The funeral is being held at Soonchunhyang University Hospital in Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul.

The news of Lee's death was first shared by fellow YouTuber Pungja on January 7 through social media, where he wrote, "I can hardly believe this as I write, but for those who loved my brother and haven't heard the news yet, I must share that my beloved brother Lee Hee-cheol has become a star in the sky today."

Pungja continued, "Please pray that he goes to a good place. This is so sudden that many friends have yet to be informed. If you need my contact information, please DM me for details about the funeral."

In addition, Lee's final post on social media has garnered attention. On December 31, he reflected on the challenges of the past year, stating, "2024 has been incredibly tough for me, both physically and mentally. I believe that pain leads to learning and growth, and I am determined to face it with humility and strength. I want to express my gratitude for everything, even the hardships!" He concluded with a hopeful message for the new year, wishing for a healthier 2025 and a life filled with gratitude.

The family has released a statement to dispel any rumors surrounding his death, emphasizing the importance of his relationships with friends and family. Lee's brother shared, "Our brother, who was always full of energy and love, unexpectedly left for a long journey to the heavens on January 7 due to a heart attack. He cherished those around him as much as family, and although he appeared strong, he was gentle at heart. Please join us in making his final journey a little less lonely and more beautiful. We will not forget the precious hearts of each one of you."

Lee Hee-cheol was a close friend of Pungja and gained popularity in 2023 as a regular cast member on KBS2TV's 'Salim Namja-deul Season 2' (살림하는 남자들 시즌2). He was a multi-talented individual, working as an influencer, restaurant CEO, photographer, and recently serving as the visual director for the girl group CLASS:y (클라씨).