Veteran R&B singer Lee Min (real name Lee Min‑young), best known as one half of the female duo As One, was found dead at her home on the evening of August 5 by her husband, who had just returned from work and immediately reported the incident.
According to a statement released by her agency Brand New Music on August 6, the cause of death is currently under police investigation. A representative told Dispatch, “The police are conducting an investigation. Please refrain from making excessive speculations until the results are released.” The agency further added to News1, “No funeral arrangements have been made yet. We will release further details once the investigation concludes.”
Despite the sudden tragedy, Lee Min had been actively promoting her music career. In June 2025, she released a new single titled Happy Birthday, following her February release Still My Baby. She also made a surprise appearance on the KBS2 music variety show The Seasons: Park Bo-gum’s Cantabile, featuring on a special stage alongside Moon Se-yoon and Hanhae. Previously, she had captivated viewers with her vocal prowess on The King of Mask Singer in 2020 and 2021.
Friends and acquaintances described her as a positive and hardworking individual. One close friend shared with Dispatch, “She was truly a positive person. She was excited about her comeback and enjoying her activities. It’s hard to believe this happened.” Another added, “I met her just last week. She lived very diligently, balancing her work as an instructor and a singer.”
Lee Min debuted in 1999 as part of the duo As One, alongside Crystal (Chae Da‑hee). They achieved success with mellow R&B hits such as “For You I Long and Resent”, “Day by Day”, “You’re Welcome”, and “Am I the One Who Should Apologize.”
Outside of music, Lee Min married a Korean man two years her senior, a former office worker, in Hawaii in 2013.
Crystal, the other member of As One who has been based in the U.S., is reported to be returning to Korea at the earliest opportunity following the tragic news.
Family and fans are expected to hold a private mourning period and funeral arrangements will proceed quietly in accordance with the family’s wishes.
Sources: Nate