The Korean music industry was rocked today by the sudden when Lee Min found dead, one half of the beloved R&B duo As One, who was discovered dead at her Seoul home on August 5, 2025, at the age of 46. The veteran singer, whose real name was Lee Min Young, was found by her husband upon his return home, sparking an immediate police investigation into the circumstances surrounding her unexpected passing.
Sudden Discovery Sends Shockwaves Through Music Community
Lee Min was discovered unresponsive at her residence on the evening of August 5, with authorities confirming that her husband made the heartbreaking discovery when he arrived home. The news was officially confirmed by her agency, BRANDNEW MUSIC, on August 6, sending immediate shockwaves through the Korean entertainment industry and devastating fans worldwide who had followed her career for over two decades.
The agency released a carefully worded statement requesting privacy and patience during the ongoing investigation. “The police are conducting an investigation,” a BRANDNEW MUSIC representative stated, adding, “We ask that people refrain from excessive speculation until the results are released”. The cause of death has not been revealed, and authorities have emphasized that no signs of forced entry or foul play were initially observed at the scene.
Police have launched a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding Lee Min’s death, with an autopsy requested to determine the exact cause. The Seoul Metropolitan Police have urged the public to avoid premature speculation while they conduct their thorough examination of the case.
A Career Cut Short: From Rising Star to Beloved Veteran
Born in 1978, Lee Min debuted in 1999 as part of the duo As One alongside Crystal Chae, marking the beginning of a career that would span over two decades. The group quickly gained recognition for their soulful vocals and emotional ballads, producing numerous hits that resonated with fans across Korea and beyond. Their most celebrated songs included “Day by Day,” “Desire and Hope,” “Don’t Be Silly,” and “Am I the One Who Should Apologize”.
What makes Lee Min’s death particularly shocking is her recent return to active music promotion. Just two months before her passing, in June 2025, As One had released a new single titled “Happy Birthday to You,” marking a comeback that filled fans with excitement and anticipation. The duo had also made a notable appearance on the popular KBS 2TV music talk show “The Seasons: Park Bo Gum’s Cantabile” on July 4, where Lee Min appeared as a featured artist alongside comedian Moon Se-yoon and rapper Hanhae.
Beyond her musical career, Lee Min had been working as a music teacher, balancing her passion for performance with education. She married her husband, described as a former office worker, in Hawaii in 2013, and those close to her described her as someone who lived a dedicated and sincere life.
Industry Insiders and Friends Express Disbelief
The news of Lee Min’s passing has left colleagues and friends struggling to comprehend the loss of someone they described as vibrant and positive. A longtime friend of the late singer shared their shock with media outlets, stating, “She was truly a positive person. She had just made a comeback and was enjoying her activities. I still can’t believe it”.
Another acquaintance who had recently spent time with Lee Min expressed similar disbelief: “I met her just last week. She was always sincere and hardworking, juggling both her music and her job as an instructor”. These testimonials paint a picture of an artist who was actively engaged in her career and personal life, making her sudden death all the more incomprehensible to those who knew her.
The timing of her death has particularly stunned the music community, as Lee Min had been described as being in good spirits following her recent musical activities. Industry sources noted that she had remained active until recently, with no public indications of distress or health concerns.
Fan Community Erupts in Grief and Tribute
The announcement of Lee Min’s death has triggered an unprecedented outpouring of grief from fans across social media platforms. Despite not maintaining official social media accounts of her own, Lee Min had cultivated a devoted fanbase over her 26-year career, and news of her passing has led to an explosion of tribute posts and memorial messages.
Online community forums have become gathering places for mourning fans to share memories, photos, and tributes to the late singer. Hashtags commemorating her life and career have begun trending on various social media platforms, with fans sharing their favorite As One songs and performances. The response has been particularly poignant given that many fans had been excited about the duo’s recent return to active promotion.
International fans have also joined the chorus of grief, with tribute messages pouring in from across Asia and beyond, highlighting the global reach of Lee Min’s musical impact. Fan-created tribute playlists featuring As One’s discography have begun circulating online, serving as digital memorials to the late artist’s legacy.
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Partner Crystal Chae Rushes Home from United States
Adding to the tragedy, Lee Min’s As One partner Crystal Chae, who currently resides in the United States, is reportedly traveling back to Korea after receiving the devastating news. The duo had maintained their partnership despite geographical distance, with their recent collaboration on “Happy Birthday to You” serving as testament to their enduring musical bond.
The reunion of the surviving member with Lee Min’s family and the Korean music community promises to be an emotionally charged moment, as Crystal returns to bid farewell to her longtime musical partner and friend. Their relationship, spanning over two decades, represented one of the most enduring partnerships in Korean R&B music.
Investigation Continues As Lee Min Found Dead
While police continue their investigation, Lee Min’s sudden death has inevitably raised broader questions about mental health pressures within the Korean entertainment industry. South Korea’s entertainment sector has faced increased scrutiny in recent years regarding the psychological wellbeing of performers, with several high-profile cases highlighting the intense pressures faced by celebrities.
Industry insiders have noted that while Lee Min had not publicly disclosed any mental health struggles, the pressures of maintaining a career in the competitive Korean music industry can affect even the most seemingly stable performers. Her death has prompted renewed calls for better mental health support systems within the entertainment industry.
However, authorities have emphasized that speculation about the cause of death is premature, and they are conducting a thorough investigation to establish the facts surrounding her passing. The results of the autopsy and police investigation are expected to provide clarity on the circumstances of her death.
What Happens Next: Legacy and Investigation
As the investigation continues, the Korean music industry faces the loss of a respected veteran whose influence extended far beyond her commercial success. Lee Min’s career represented a bridge between generations of K-pop and R&B, with As One serving as pioneers who helped establish the foundation for future Korean music acts.
Plans for Lee Min’s funeral arrangements are currently being finalized amid the ongoing police investigation, with her agency indicating that details will be announced once the investigation permits. The music community is expected to come together to honor her memory and celebrate her contributions to Korean R&B.
The investigation’s findings will likely shape public understanding of her final days, but regardless of the outcome, Lee Min’s musical legacy remains secure. Her voice, captured in recordings spanning over two decades, will continue to provide comfort to the countless fans who found solace in As One’s emotionally resonant ballads.
As the Korean entertainment industry mourns the loss of another talented artist, Lee Min’s death serves as a sobering reminder of life’s fragility and the importance of supporting those who dedicate their lives to bringing music and joy to others. Her sudden passing leaves a void that will be felt throughout the industry and by fans worldwide who cherished her artistry and the happiness her music brought to their lives.
