Lee Yoo Joo, a beloved yoga instructor and wellness advocate from South Korea, tragically passed away on February 18, 2025, at the age of 35. Her death has sent shockwaves through the yoga community and the South Korean entertainment industry, as fans, friends, and family mourn the loss of a woman whose passion for yoga and kindness had an immense impact on the lives of many. The news was confirmed by her yoga studio, Yogaum, which announced the passing of their beloved teacher with a statement that expressed their deep sorrow.
Lee Yoo Joo was not just a yoga instructor; she was a beacon of positivity, a role model, and a true source of inspiration. She first gained prominence through her appearances on the popular South Korean variety show Infinite Challenge. On the show, Lee Yoo Joo demonstrated her expertise by teaching yoga to the cast, which included well-known personalities like Yoo Jae Suk, Park Myung Soo, and Haha. Her calm and graceful presence captured the hearts of millions of viewers, and her passion for yoga became an inspiration to many who had never considered the practice before.
Her appearance on Infinite Challenge introduced millions to yoga, a practice that she believed was not only about physical postures but also about mindfulness and emotional well-being. Her natural ability to teach, her gentle demeanor, and her infectious smile made her an instant favorite among viewers. Her efforts to make yoga accessible to people from all walks of life helped to break down the barriers surrounding fitness and wellness, making yoga approachable for both beginners and seasoned practitioners.
Beyond her television appearances, Lee Yoo Joo was a respected figure in the wellness community. She was a successful model and collaborated with several renowned brands, using her platform to promote health, mindfulness, and a balanced lifestyle. However, despite her commercial success, her true passion lay in teaching yoga. In 2015, she opened Yogaum, a studio dedicated to providing a sanctuary where individuals could learn to connect with themselves, their bodies, and their breath. Through her studio, she was able to teach yoga in a way that was grounded in compassion, allowing her students to experience the transformative power of the practice both on and off the mat.
Her classes went beyond traditional physical exercise. Lee Yoo Joo’s approach to yoga was rooted in mindfulness, self-discovery, and inner peace. Many of her students reported that her classes were more than just an opportunity for physical exercise but were also spaces for healing, self-reflection, and emotional growth. She had an incredible ability to connect with her students on a deeply personal level, offering guidance and support not just in yoga practice but in life. Her passion for helping others achieve balance, strength, and peace was evident in everything she did.
In a statement issued by Yogaum, the studio expressed their heartfelt condolences and shared their wishes for privacy during this difficult time. The statement read, “According to the wishes of the bereaved family, there will be no separate wake or funeral. We will set up a space at the yoga studio run by teacher Lee Yoo Joo for final greetings until this Friday.” This decision reflects the family’s desire for privacy while also offering a space for those who were touched by Lee Yoo Joo’s life to pay their respects and honor her memory.
Since the news of her passing, tributes have poured in from friends, colleagues, and students, all of whom are devastated by the loss of someone who touched so many lives. Many have shared stories of how Lee Yoo Joo’s teachings transformed their lives, whether it was through helping them manage stress, overcome physical challenges, or simply providing a space for them to feel heard and understood. Her unwavering support and the safe space she created for people to explore their physical and emotional well-being are what made her an extraordinary teacher.
Lee Yoo Joo’s ability to connect with people on such a deep level was one of her most cherished gifts. She was more than just an instructor—she was a friend, a mentor, and a source of light in the lives of many. Her dedication to her students went beyond teaching classes; she was always there for them, offering advice, encouragement, and a listening ear whenever it was needed. Her nurturing presence and her ability to make each person feel seen and valued left a lasting impact on those who had the privilege of learning from her.
For her students, Lee Yoo Joo was not just a yoga instructor; she was a guide and a source of inspiration. Many have expressed their gratitude for the way she changed their lives and helped them grow both physically and mentally. Whether it was through her teachings, her presence, or her support, Lee Yoo Joo’s legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew her. Her impact on the yoga community, as well as on the lives of her students, is immeasurable, and she will be deeply missed by all who had the opportunity to cross paths with her.
Lee Yoo Joo’s passing is a reminder of how fragile life can be and how important it is to cherish the moments we have with those we love. Her dedication to wellness, her commitment to her students, and her unwavering kindness will continue to inspire future generations. Her legacy will live on through the many lives she touched and the community she helped build.
As the world mourns the loss of Lee Yoo Joo, it is also a time to reflect on the incredible impact she had on the yoga community and beyond. Her spirit of kindness, compassion, and selflessness will continue to inspire others to live with intention, embrace mindfulness, and prioritize their well-being. Lee Yoo Joo’s memory will live on in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing her and experiencing the joy and peace she so graciously shared.
To Lee Yoo Joo’s family, friends, and students, we extend our deepest condolences. May you find comfort in the love and support of those around you, and in the knowledge that her legacy will continue to guide and inspire. Rest in peace, Lee Yoo Joo. Your light will forever shine in the hearts of those who knew you.
