It has been 5 years since the late Lee Ji-eun, an actress who was loved by the public in the 1990s, graced both the living room and the screen.
Lee Ji-eun was found dead at her home in Jung-gu, Seoul, around 8 PM on March 8, 2021. The news of her passing at the young age of 51 brought great shock and sadness to the entertainment industry and her fans. At the time, it was reported that she was living alone after her son enlisted in the military, and she was discovered by the police after a friend reported that they could not reach her, adding to the tragedy.
She made her debut in the entertainment industry as a model on SBS's 'Good Morning' in 1994. She then rose to prominence as a major newcomer in Chungmuro by showcasing bold and intense acting in the film 'Geumhong-a Geumhong-a'. With this work, she won the Best New Actress award at the 16th Blue Dragon Film Awards and the 34th Grand Bell Awards, solidifying her acting skills.
In particular, she gained explosive popularity by playing the role of 'Jo Hyun-ji', a tomboy character from a pickpocket background, in the national drama 'The Young Man's Yangji', which recorded a peak rating of 62.7% in 1995. She later appeared in various works such as 'Daughter-in-Law Three Kingdoms', 'Color', 'OK Ranch', and 'Seri Came Back', establishing herself as an icon of 90s youth with her unique exotic appearance and cool yet clear aura.
Although she left the entertainment industry and lived a normal life before suddenly leaving us, the works she left behind still remain in the hearts of many. On this 5th anniversary, waves of mourning are continuing on online communities and social media as people remember her vibrant activities during her lifetime.
