Japanese-Korean actress Yuri Nakamura has passed away at the age of 44.
Yuri Nakamura's cause of death
Announcing the heartbreaking news, her agency, Alpha Agency, shared that the actress died from rectal cancer on September 1.
About Yuri Nakamura's decade-long cancer battle
Nakamura was first diagnosed with cancer 13 years ago but kept her health scare private as she continued to receive treatment and went into remission.
However, the cancer was discovered again in January 2025, with the agency adding, "Although the surgery was successful, metastasis was found afterward."
The statement continued, "In August this year, while working hard to recover for her return, she suddenly developed a bowel obstruction and received notification that her remaining life would be very short."
"Nakamura Yuri did not lose her calm, beautiful, and gentle smile, and was able to spend her final moments cherishing time with her family and close friends."
Yuri Nakamura's career
Yuri Nakamura, the Japanese-born Korean actress, debuted in the entertainment industry through the Japanese TV Tokyo audition program ASAYAN in 1996.
Later, she formed the female duo Yurimari with Iwasa Mari and worked as a singer.
After transitioning to acting, she alternated between films and dramas.
She gained fame for the 2007 film Pachi! LOVE&PEACE and also appeared in movies, including Ju-on: The Black Girl, Maybe It Will Happen for Real, Miracle, Like Father, Like Son, and Ringu: The Curse.
Yuri also worked in dramas, such as Tokyo Dogs, Good Doctor, We Are Crazy, 119 Emergency Call and After the Breakup.
Notably, she shared scenes with actress Han Hyo-joo in the Netflix drama Romantic Anonymous, which was released in 2025.
Additionally, Yuri Nakamura was scheduled to play the lead role in the drama Dangerous, set for broadcast in 2027, but had to withdraw from the production due to her deteriorating health.
