Nineties youth star the late Lee Ji-eun's death has drawn renewed attention on the fifth anniversary of her passing.
The late Lee Ji-eun was found dead at her home in Jung-gu, Seoul, on March 8, 2021. She was only 51, a far too early age. Police responded after a friend reported they could not reach her, but when they arrived Lee Ji-eun had already died alone.
At the time of death she had reportedly been living alone after her son, who had been living with her, enlisted in the military, which added to the sorrow. Police, after consulting with the bereaved family to determine the exact cause of death, conducted an autopsy, and the final cause was revealed as myocardial infarction. News of his final moments, who had left the glare of the spotlight and quietly fought illness, was belatedly revealed and left many people deeply moved.
A comment by an internet user presumed to be Lee Ji-eun's son also drew attention online at the time. On a review post for the film Paran Daemun, the commenter replied, "The mother who appears there retired right after having me so her career was a bit short haha."
When asked "Who is your mother?" he replied "Lee Ji-eun" and said of his mother's current condition, "She is doing well." He also explained about himself, "I was born in 2001 so I'm going to the military next year," and when condolences from fans followed the obituary news he expressed gratitude, saying "Thank you. I came out of the military this morning and am holding the funeral. Thank you very much."
She debuted as a model on SBS's Good Morning in 1994 and that year began her acting career through the drama Neukkim. In particular, she rose to become the era's top star after playing the cross-dressing pickpocket Jo Hyun-ji in KBS2's Young People's Sunlight, which aired in 1995, achieving near-phenomenon popularity.
Her work on the screen was also brilliant. With the 1995 film Geumhong-ah Geumhong-ah she swept newcomer actress awards at major ceremonies such as the 16th Blue Dragon Film Awards and the 34th Grand Bell Awards, proving her acting ability. Afterwards, with roles in Daughter-in-law Samgukji, The King and the Queen, and Kim Ki-duk's film Paran Daemun, she showed a bold and wide acting spectrum and solidified her place as an icon of the 1990s. She formed a devoted fan base with an unusual background as a graduate of Hosei University's Japanese literature department and a mysterious aura.
After marrying in 2000, she chose a normal life and halted entertainment activities after the 2004 drama Haesin. The news of her death after a long silence and the cause of death, myocardial infarction, remain a painful memory for fans who remember her. With a unique look and a distinctive acting color, she was praised as an actress ahead of her time. < [Photo]
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