KOR
Following the sudden passing of Lee Joo-hee, the CEO of the fashion brand Avou Collection and a first-generation influencer, her bereaved family has issued a heartfelt plea for the public to refrain from spreading groundless speculation and rumors.
Lee passed away suddenly on June 25, just two days after she had shared glimpses of her daily life with her husband and children on social media as she usually did. Following the news of her unexpected death, various unverified stories and speculations regarding the cause of her passing began to circulate online.
On June 29, Lee's older sister posted a letter to her late sibling on social media. She expressed her deep grief, writing, "Joo-hee, did you arrive safely? How are the stars where you are? Honestly, I am not okay at all. But because I have to be, I am desperately trying to find my way through my daily life, even for your sake."
She continued, "My heart aches when I think of you working yourself to the bone, even needing IV drips, and working until the early hours of the morning. I hope you can finally put everything down and rest well. I will take better care of the people around us in your place." She then appealed to the public, stating, "Because she passed away from a sudden cardiac arrest without even a chance for a final farewell, our whole family is in a state of shock and disbelief. I earnestly ask you to refrain from groundless speculation and rumors about my sister so that our grieving family does not suffer any further."
The late CEO's husband also shared his feelings on social media that same day, stating, "We have sent our Joo-hee off with the warm support of many people. Although she has left our side, our daughter and I will rely on each other and try our best to live on. However, we are struggling to get through each day as we find it difficult to accept this sudden parting."
He specifically pleaded, "Currently, as speculation and groundless rumors regarding my wife's sudden cardiac arrest continue, our family, already deep in sorrow, is being hurt even more. I earnestly ask you to refrain from sharing unverified stories or speculative remarks for the sake of the deceased's honor and the family she left behind."
Previously, on June 26, the official social media account for Avou Collection announced the news of Lee's passing, stating, "Lee Joo-hee, who was a precious partner to her husband, a mother to her child, and a beloved CEO of Avou Collection to many, has left our side."
Lee Joo-hee was a prominent female entrepreneur and a first-generation influencer who successfully grew her fashion brand, Avou Collection, in the online shopping market. She inspired many by sharing her experiences in entrepreneurship and branding through social media and lectures. In 2020, she gained widespread empathy during a lecture for "Sebasi" (a popular Korean talk show series), where she shared her journey of returning to entrepreneurship after a career break.
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.