Hip-hop group 45RPM member Lee Hyun-bae, the younger brother of DJ DOC’s Lee Ha-neul, has been dead for five years.
Lee was found dead April 17, 2021, at his home in Seogwipo on Jeju Island. An internet installation worker discovered him collapsed in the living room and reported it, but Lee was pronounced dead.
An autopsy was conducted to determine the cause of death, and a specialist’s opinion said it was believed to be related to a heart abnormality.
After news of Lee’s death, a dispute also emerged between DJ DOC members Lee Ha-neul and Kim Chang-ryeol. When Kim posted a tribute on social media, Lee Ha-neul responded sharply, saying, “You killed him.” He claimed they had planned to run a pension business together, but that Kim refused to pay interior construction costs, leaving Lee Hyun-bae in financial hardship. Lee Ha-neul also said his brother was injured in an accident while working a delivery part-time job but could not afford medical tests and later died.
Kim said, “As this is a confusing and heartbreaking time after the sudden news, I respectfully ask that people refrain from speculation.” He added, “It is true there were difficult circumstances, but with the grief of sending him off still fresh, it is a delicate situation to bring up matters from long ago.”
In 2024, Lee Ha-neul shared an update saying he had reconciled with Kim, and the conflict appeared to have eased.
Lee Hyun-bae debuted in 2005 as part of 45RPM. He finished runner-up on Mnet’s “Show Me the Money Season 1” in 2012 and was known for songs including “Joyful Life” from the “No Manners” original soundtrack and “Rigi-dong.”
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.