South Korean actress Yuri Nakamura, known for her recent role in the Netflix drama Romantics Anonymous, died at age 44 after battling rectal cancer, according to a statement released by her agency, Alpha Agency. The Japan-born actress passed away on Sept. 1, though her agency publicly disclosed the news on Sept. 14.
Medical Timeline and Treatment Decisions
According to Alpha Agency, Nakamura previously battled cancer 13 years prior to her passing. At that time, the actress and the agency president decided to keep the diagnosis private. Following a successful recovery, her cancer went into remission, allowing her to resume acting and undergo regular health screenings.
The condition returned in January 2025. Although a subsequent surgery proved successful, medical teams discovered metastasis following the operation. Rather than stepping away from the screen entirely, Nakamura chose to focus on treatments that allowed her to manage her condition while continuing her professional work. In July 2026, she developed an intestinal obstruction, forcing her to withdraw from the NHK drama Dangerous, which had been scheduled to air in January 2027.
Did you know? Nakamura spent her final moments surrounded by her family. Her funeral was subsequently held with close family members and agency colleagues in attendance.
Career Milestones and Cultural Impact
Born in Osaka, Japan, Nakamura came from a multicultural background. Her father was a third-generation Zainichi Korean—referring to ethnic Koreans residing in Japan—while her mother was born in South Korea.
Her entry into the entertainment industry began in 1996 when she participated in the Japanese talent search variety show Asayan. She debuted as a singer in 1998 as one half of the pop duo Yurimari alongside Mari Izawa. After the group disbanded in 1999, Nakamura took a three-year hiatus before transitioning to acting in 2003, subsequently appearing in a wide range of movies and television serials.
In 2007, she earned the Best Newcomer Award at the Osaka Cinema Festival for her starring role in Pacchigi! Love & Peace. The film served as a sequel to 2005’s Pacchigi! and focused on a Zainichi Korean family relocating to Tokyo in 1974. Her extensive filmography also features notable titles such as Love Letter From Heaven (2007), Like Father, Like Son (2013), and The 8-Year Engagement (2017), culminating in her recent appearance in the romantic-comedy series Romantics Anonymous alongside Shun Oguri, Han Hyo-joo, and Jin Akanishi.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Yuri Nakamura’s age at the time of her passing?
Yuri Nakamura was 44 years old when she died on Sept. 1.
What was Yuri Nakamura’s final project?
She recently starred in the Netflix romantic-comedy drama Romantics Anonymous alongside Japanese actor Shun Oguri, South Korean actress Han Hyo-joo, and Japanese singer-actor Jin Akanishi. She had also been cast in the NHK drama Dangerous before withdrawing due to health complications.
Who confirmed Yuri Nakamura’s passing?
Her management firm, Alpha Agency, confirmed her death in a public statement issued on Sept. 14.
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