The rhythm game community and the K-pop industry are in mourning following the sudden passing of Lee Jun-young, widely known by his stage name LeeZu.
On May 4, 2026, news broke that the talented singer-songwriter and composer had died at the age of 42.
LeeZu was a beloved figure among fans of the DJMAX series, celebrated for his ability to blend high-energy beats with emotional vocal performances.
His passing marks a somber moment for those who grew up listening to his contributions to iconic titles like DJMAX Technika 2 and DJMAX Respect V.
The news was first confirmed by fellow composer and close friend Wang Jeong-hyun (XeoN), who shared a poignant tribute on social media.
The music community has since been flooded with messages of remembrance, highlighting LeeZu’s versatility not just as a game music composer, but as a YouTuber and active musician who continued to share his life and art with the world until his final days.
A Legacy of Iconic Rhythm Game Anthems
LeeZu’s career was defined by his work in the niche yet passionate field of game audio. He gained widespread recognition for his tracks in the DJMAX franchise, which are known for their technical difficulty and infectious melodies.
Among his most famous works are “The Guilty” and “Burn It Down,” tracks that became staples for competitive players.
Beyond the arcade cabinets, his talent extended to various media, including soundtracks for short films and mobile games like Crystal Hearts and Magic Masters.
His most recent contribution, “Octet Rule,” was featured in the V LIBERTY 4 DLC for DJMAX Respect V just weeks before his passing.
This track served as a reminder of his enduring skill as a triple threat- handling composition, lyrics, and vocals.
Fellow musicians have urged fans to keep his memory alive through his art, with XeoN stating,
“My friend and the composer of DJMAX we all love, LeeZu, has embarked on a long journey alone… We earnestly ask that you remember the many songs he left behind and pay tribute to him so he is not lonely on his journey.”
A Final Message and Industry Tributes
The circumstances surrounding LeeZu’s death have brought a wave of sorrow to his followers, particularly following a final video he uploaded to his YouTube channel, ‘Borang Baeksu’, on April 25. The video, titled “Goodbye,” featured a brief but heavy message:
“Thank you to everyone, and I am sorry.”
This post is now being looked back upon as his final farewell to his audience. In a heartbreaking revelation, his ex-wife shared during a live broadcast that he had been battling severe depression, noting that he had reached out the day before his passing to ask her to care for his dog if anything were to happen to him.
The industry has responded with deep respect for his 20-year career. Despite personal hardships, including a move to the countryside to seek a quieter life, LeeZu never stopped creating.
His presence was a bridge between the early days of the Korean rhythm game scene and its modern global success.
As fans and colleagues offer their deepest condolences, the consensus remains that while the artist has departed, his voice will continue to echo through the “perfect plays” and high scores of gamers around the world.
We offer our deepest sympathies to his family, friends, and fans during this incredibly difficult time.
