MBC entertainment program 'Infinite Challenge' alum and star yoga instructor Lee Yujoo, 35, marked the first anniversary of her death.
On Feb. 18 last year, Lee Yujoo passed away. She was 35.
Yogaum, the yoga studio Lee Yujoo ran, announced the news on social media at the time, saying, "We share the sudden sad news. Teacher Lee Yujoo passed away yesterday (18)," and added, "According to the wishes of the bereaved family, there will be no separate funeral or wake, and we will operate a space at Yogaum, where teacher Yujoo used to teach, for final goodbyes until this Friday."
"Pray that the soul of teacher Lee Yujoo, who was beautiful and pure and brightened the world with her special talent, may rest in peace," it added. Meanwhile, a post Lee Yujoo left on social media the day before her death drew attention. The late instructor uploaded a photo of her face with the word "Hello."
Earlier, in Dec. 2024, she confessed her mental anguish, saying, "I hate pretending so people won't lose face or look down on me. I want to say I'm in pain because I'm hurting, but I don't want worry or pity. I should draw the strength to live myself, but support and encouragement don't absorb. I just want to rest a bit. To find myself."
She appeared to be considering retirement. She lamented, "Actually I'm thinking of retiring, but I don't know what life after that will be. I'm working like squeezing juice and it's very hard. I don't want to say or hear anything," and added, "There's nothing I want to eat, do or see. Looking at the gifts I receive daily, I should find strength, but I have none left. Sister is very tired. I want to retire before I cause harm. I'm so sorry to the members. I want to stop while my condition still allows. What should I do, I really don't know," expressing her pain.
She also confessed, "I make a confession to you. Even though I always appear bright and playful, my heart actually aches. Family discord, failed love, social expectations, loneliness — sometimes I even come to hate Yogaum that I created fighting those things.. It's hard to use my mind as I intend. Because my heart is distressed, my body hurts and normal life is somewhat difficult," and said, "I've been receiving medical help for a long time to avoid dying, and my daily life is a struggle of forcing down a sip of water or a bowl of rice," revealing her mental anguish and prompting sorrow.
But she also showed a will to live, saying, "Lately I'm sorry to everyone for holding classes. I'm sorry for showing a flawed side. I miss the old me so much. I'm powerless now, but I want to stand up again."
The late instructor worked as a star yoga teacher in life and appeared in several advertisements. In 2020 she participated in couple yoga filming on Lee Ji Hye's YouTube channel 'Unlikable attention-seeking sister,' drawing attention.
[Photo] SNS
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