KBS Honors Lee Hee-cheol with Tribute Video

KBS has shared a tribute video honoring the late Lee Hee-cheol, who passed away from a heart attack. The video, titled "[#SalimNam] Remembering the Always Warm-hearted Lee Hee-cheol," was uploaded to KBS's official YouTube channel on January 9, 2025.

The tribute features edited clips from the KBS2 variety show 'Salim Namja-deul 2' (살림하는 남자들2), where Lee Hee-cheol appeared as a close friend of YouTuber and broadcaster Pungja from August 12 to November 15, 2023.

On January 7, news of Lee Hee-cheol's sudden passing was announced. Pungja took to social media to express her disbelief, stating, "As I write this, I still can't believe it. For those who loved my brother and haven't heard the news yet, my beloved brother Lee Hee-cheol has become a star in the sky today. Please pray that he goes to a good place."

According to OSEN, the cause of death was confirmed to be a heart attack. Lee Hee-cheol's brother shared a heartfelt message on his account, saying, "Our brother, who was always full of energy and love, unexpectedly left for a long journey to the heavenly realm on the 7th due to a heart attack. He cherished and prioritized those around him as much as family, and although he seemed strong, he was more gentle than anyone. Please help make his final journey a little less lonely and more beautiful. I will not forget the precious feelings of each and every one of you."

The news shocked the public, with many celebrities, including comedians Kim Young-hee, Park Seul-ki, Dalshabet's Serri, Song Hae-na, and Yoo Hana, expressing their sorrow on social media. Yumin Sang, who worked with Lee Hee-cheol on SBS Love FM's 'Yumin Sang's Hungry Radio' until July of last year, also shared his grief during the broadcast on January 8, saying, "This morning, we received very sad news. Lee Hee-cheol, who had been with us on 'Hungry Radio' for a long time, has sadly passed away. Today, I miss his face so much."

KBS2's 'Salim Namja-deul 2' will also include a tribute caption for Lee Hee-cheol in its broadcast on January 18, as the show will be preempted on January 11 for the '2024 KBS Acting Awards.'

In addition, KBS released a video of the late Lee Hee-cheol on its official channel, joining in the mourning. Another tribute video titled "A person who shared warmth, may the late Lee Hee-cheol rest in peace" was also posted on the KBS Entertainment official channel. Viewers expressed their condolences in the comments, saying, "My heart aches."

Lee Hee-cheol was the CEO of the cosmetic brand Seoul Salon and operated the YouTube channel 'Lee Hee-cheol's Bheulog' to connect with fans. His funeral is being held at the Soonchunhyang University Hospital funeral hall.