Lee Hee Chul, a restaurant owner and YouTube influencer, died on January 7 after suffering a cardiac arrest.
The popular celebrity passed away at the hospital after being admitted last week to treat his chronic disease. Lee passed away after succumbing to an unexpected heart attack.
The news came as a surprise to his supporters after his declaration of living a healthier life this year, in a message he penned as he bid farewell to 2024.
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"The difficulties of 2024, will surely be used as a solid foundation for my health. In the new year of 2025, I wish for everyone to be healthier," wrote Lee in an Instagram post on December 31.
Lee was also just seen in physically good condition during his appearance in November in the original LG U+ mobile TV entertainment show, Trust Me and Tell Me, Let's Be Comfortable. He appeared as a restaurant CEO who turned those with poor cooking skills into capable chefs.
Aside from running a business in the food and beverages industry, he's also well-known in the K-pop world as the visual director for the fourth-gen girl group CLASS:y, formed in 2022 through the audition survival program, My Teenage Girl.
Lee is also well-known as a close friend of Sandara Park and former Chakra Hwangbo.
In October, Lee supported Dara by attending 2NE1's concert in Seoul.
His mortuary was prepared at the funeral hall of Soonchunhyang Seoul Hospital. He was buried on January 9 at 5 PM KST at Suwon City Yeonhwajang.
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