Jazz saxophonist and composer Lee Soo Jung, once celebrated as a “jazz prodigy” on SBS’s Star King, has passed away at the young age of 27, sending shockwaves through the music industry and her fan community.
According to her family, Lee Soo Jung died on January 4. The sudden news of her passing has left fellow musicians, fans, and netizens in deep sorrow, particularly as she had shared a heartfelt message on social media just days earlier, on New Year’s Day.
On January 1, Lee Soo Jung posted a message on her personal SNS account expressing gratitude for the year gone by, writing, “A turbulent 2025 that felt like two years in one. Thank you to everyone who stayed by my side despite my shortcomings. From the third photo onward, they’re in chronological order.” The post has since been filled with mourning and condolence messages from fans and colleagues.
Lee Soo Jung first came to public attention in 2010 when she appeared on Star King as a young jazz prodigy. Despite her young age, her highly polished performance and musical maturity left a strong impression, marking her as a rising star in the jazz world.
She later went on to study at Berklee College of Music in the United States, where she was selected as one of only seven recipients worldwide for the prestigious presidential scholarship. Her exceptional talent earned her international recognition, and she completed her master’s degree at just 22 years old, solidifying her reputation as a “genius saxophonist” and the future of Korean jazz.
Lee Soo Jung released her self-titled debut album Soojung Lee in 2018 at the age of 19, embarking on a professional career as both a performer and composer. She continued to build her own musical identity through steady artistic activity.
A memorial altar has been set up at Seoul Hyundai Nursing Hospital Funeral Hall in Gangdong-gu. The funeral service will be held on January 6 at 2 p.m., and she will be laid to rest at Seoul Memorial Park.
Lee Soo Jung will be remembered not only for her extraordinary talent but also for the passion and sincerity she brought to her music throughout her short yet impactful life.
Sources: 네이트 뉴스
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