Remembering Lee Eun-joo: 20 Years Since Her Untimely Passing
Today marks the 20th anniversary of the tragic passing of actress 故이은주, who left this world on February 22, 2005, at the young age of 25. Her death, attributed to struggles with depression, occurred at her home in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province.
Lee Eun-joo began her career in the entertainment industry after winning a silver medal at the 1996 Sun Kyung Smart Model Contest. She made her acting debut in the drama 'Start' the following year and gained recognition for her role as the young version of Shim Eun-ha in 'White Night 3.98'. In 1998, she expanded her career to film with her appearance in 'Trout'.
She solidified her status as a promising actress by starring in films directed by Hong Sang-soo, such as 'The Day a Pig Fell into the Well' and 'The Power of Gangwon Province', earning her the Best New Actress award at the Daejong Film Awards. Her filmography continued to grow with notable works like 'Bungee Jumping of Their Own', 'Love Story', and 'Tae Guk Gi: The Brotherhood of War'. Notably, 'Tae Guk Gi' surpassed 10 million viewers, making Lee Eun-joo the first Korean actress to achieve a '10 Million Career'.
In 2004, she maintained her popularity with roles in the drama 'Firebird' and the film 'The Scarlet Letter'. However, her sudden death shocked the nation, especially as it was revealed that she had been battling severe depression, insomnia, and loss of appetite, leading to medical treatment.
The unexpected loss of such a talented young actress in her twenties sent ripples through South Korean society, as it was the first time a young female celebrity had taken her own life. Many of her fellow actresses, including Kim Hye-soo, Jeon Do-yeon, Uhm Ji-won, Kim So-yeon, Son Ye-jin, and Kim Min-jung, expressed their grief and shock over her passing.
Even after two decades, fans continue to mourn her loss. The entertainment industry has seen similar tragedies since her death, amplifying the sorrow surrounding her memory. Just a week before this anniversary, actress Kim Sae-ron also passed away at the age of 24, reigniting waves of grief among fans and colleagues alike.
If you or someone you know is struggling with depression or suicidal thoughts, please reach out for help. In South Korea, you can contact the Suicide Prevention Hotline at ☎109, Mental Health Centre Crisis Counselling at ☎1577-0199, or the Hope Line at ☎129 for 24/7 support.
