Jazz prodigy Lee Su-jeong and indie musician Jin Denim, the successive deaths of young musicians evoke regret.
Jazz saxophonist and composer Lee Su-jeong has died. She was 27. According to her bereaved family, Lee Su-jeong died on the 4th. The sudden news of her untimely death left fellow musicians in the jazz world and fans in deep shock and sorrow.
The deceased had been sharing updates on social media as recently as New Year's Day, adding to the sadness. On the 1st, Lee Su-jeong left a post on her personal account saying, "2025 was a turbulent year that felt like two years. Thank you to everyone who steadfastly stayed by my side despite my shortcomings this year," and memorial comments have continued on that post to this day.
Lee Su-jeong, who drew attention for exceptional musical talent from childhood, appeared on SBS variety show 'Amazing Contest Stalking' in 2010 as a "jazz prodigy," introducing her name to the public. She later entered the Berklee College of Music in the United States and was selected as one of only seven presidential scholars, earning international recognition for her talent. She completed a master's degree at age 22, earning the moniker "genius saxophonist," and in 2018 released her debut album Soojung Lee, actively working as a performer and composer. Her funeral site is Seoul Memorial Park.
A death was also reported in the indie music scene. Singer Jin Denim (real name Kim Jeong-yeop) was found to have died in an accident on Dec. 17 of last year, the news of which emerged belatedly. He was 29. The bereaved family clearly stated on the deceased's social media that "the death was due to a fall from an accident, and it was not an intentional act."
After the news of his death, messages of mourning such as "I can't believe it" and "I was greatly comforted by his music" continued on Jin Denim's social media and online communities. The bereaved family said, "We were aware of his illnesses (bipolar disorder·schizophrenia) and he had been receiving treatment and taking medication, but his symptoms recently deteriorated rapidly," and explained, "Because of the illness's influence, impulsive behaviors were repeated, which were beyond his control." They added, "In life he often said, 'The day I leave will be a happy day when I go to heaven, so don't be sad,'" and asked that people remember him for his music and warm memories for a long time.
After dropping out of Fudan University in China, Jin Denim made his name known through busking around the Hongdae area in 2016 and built a musical world that crossed alternative R&B and indie pop. He connected with fans through numerous songs such as "When this night passes," "Colorful," "Eternal," and "Fairytale." His funeral site is Evergreen Arboretum in Anseong, Gyeonggi.
Mourning from the music community and fans over the successive deaths of the two young musicians is expected to continue for the time being.<
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