Remembering Woo Hye-mi: 6 Years Since the Loss of a Unique Voice

Six years have passed since the untimely passing of singer Woo Hye-mi, whose soulful voice touched the hearts of many. The sorrow and longing are deeper, given her active engagement with fans and her readiness to release new music before her departure.

Woo Hye-mi was found deceased in her home in Mapo-gu, Seoul, on September 21, 2019, at the age of 31. Her agency at the time expressed their condolences, stating she had passed away at home, without disclosing the exact cause of death.

The news of her passing came as a profound shock, especially as she had maintained vibrant communication with her fans until shortly before her death. Just four days prior, Woo Hye-mi had been actively promoting a fellow singer's new song on her social media, showcasing her strong connections within the music community.

Furthermore, Woo Hye-mi was on the verge of releasing new music. Her agency revealed that she had missed meetings for her new single's music video and was unreachable, adding to the heartbreaking circumstances.

Woo Hye-mi first gained recognition on Mnet's 'The Voice of Korea' Season 1 in 2012. Her powerful vocals and unique charisma earned her the attention of mentors Baek Ji-young and Gil. Debuting under the name 'MIU' with the single 'Ugly Doll' in 2015 with the label of Leessang Company, she consistently participated in music activities, including featuring on Leessang's tracks.

Notably, in the month leading up to her passing, she released her first EP, which she personally wrote, composed, and arranged, demonstrating her capabilities as a singer-songwriter and captivating audiences as a promising artist.

Sonnet Son, a fellow singer, mourned her loss, saying, "Unnie was the most unique artist I knew, a true musician who was excellent at songwriting and composing. I hope you can now do everything you wanted and rest in peace." On 'Immortal Songs', Sonnet Son, alongside Yoo Sung-eun, Lee Ye-ji, and Ji Se-hee, performed a song in tribute to Woo Hye-mi, evoking a sense of profound sadness. They expressed their longing by stating, "We always sing as if there are five of us."

Even after six years, Woo Hye-mi remains in everyone's hearts, kept alive by those who miss her.

Woo Hye-mi first gained widespread recognition through her appearance on Mnet's 'The Voice of Korea' Season 1 in 2012. Her powerful vocal performances and distinctive style led her to be chosen by mentors Baek Ji-young and Gil. She later debuted as 'MIU' under Leessang Company in 2015 with the single 'Ugly Doll' and actively contributed to the music scene, including as a featured artist on Leessang's songs.