South Korean influencer Daddoa who 'took K-beauty global' dies aged 29 leaving fans devastated
Daddoa passed away on December 16. The news was announced on ChristmasDay by her agency Leferi Beauty Entertainment, which did not reveal a cause of death.
By TARYN KAUR PEDLER, FOREIGN NEWS REPORTER
Published: 11:43 GMT, 30 December 2025 | Updated: 12:31 GMT, 30 December 2025
A South Korean influencer credited with helping to spread K-beauty to a global audience has died aged 29, leaving her fans devastated.
Lee Da-sol, known as Daddoa online, passed away on December 16. The news was announced on Christmas Day by her agency Leferi Beauty Entertainment, which did not reveal a cause of death.
'Daddoa passed away on the 16th. In accordance with the wishes of the bereaved family, we ask that you refrain from excessive speculation or unconfirmed reports,' the statement read.
Choi In-seok, a spokesperson for Leferi Beauty, added: 'Daddoa was not only a first-generation YouTuber, but also one of the earliest figures to prove the global potential of the Korean beauty industry'.
Following her passing, devastated fans have flooded her social media with heartwarming messages expressing their grief and shock at her sudden death.
'Even if you no longer upload videos, I hope you are living well somewhere,' one fan wrote.
'May you rest peacefully in heaven and no longer suffer,' said another, and 'Thank you for taking care of my beauty during my teenage years,' a third posted.
According to The Times of India, Daddoa had previously shared online that she had been a victim of school bullying.
Lee Da-sol, known as Daddoa online, passed away on December 16
Following her passing, devastated fans have flooded her social media with heartwarming messages expressing their grief and shock at her sudden death
The iconic beauty influencer, who had amassed over 1.2million subscribers on her YouTube channel, rose to fame on social media in 2014 with her fashion, makeup, and dieting tips videos
In one of her videos, she explained that those emotional scars led her to discover makeup as a form of armour, helping her build confidence and face the world more bravely.
The iconic beauty influencer, who had amassed over 1.2million subscribers on her YouTube channel, rose to fame on social media in 2014 with her fashion, makeup, and dieting tips videos.
She quickly gained popularity worldwide among fans of South Korean beauty culture, leading her to sign an exclusive contract with China's largest video platform, Youku.
Just two years later, in January 2016, Daddao was named 'China's Top Beauty Creator 2015' by Weibo, China's largest social media platform.
She also made headlines after becoming the first Korean beauty influencer to open an online 'K-Beauty Select Store' on Taobao - a Chinese online shopping platform -contributing to the direct export of Korean cosmetics.