[Sportschosun reporter Park Aram] Japanese dancer Yamada Ria, 17, who drew attention for her exceptional dancing skills on Mnet's 'Street Dance Girls Fighter 2' and helped Jam Republic win the final title, has passed away. She was 17.
Yamada Ria's family officially shared the heartbreaking news through her account on the 24th.
Her family stated, "Yamada Ria passed away on September 18, 2026," adding, "During her more than yearlong battle with illness, Yamada Ria fought hard against the disease and continued to give it her all until the very end."
They continued, "We sincerely thank everyone who supported Yamada Ria and sent her warm words, as well as everyone who cherished her."
Yamada Ria showed an extraordinary passion for dance during her lifetime. Her family recalled, "Yamada Ria truly loved dancing," adding, "She cherished the relationships she formed with her fellow dancers through dance and with all of you who always supported her."
The family concluded by expressing their gratitude to everyone who remembered Yamada Ria.
Her family said, "We are truly grateful to everyone who met Yamada Ria, everyone who danced with her, and everyone who laughed, cheered, and gave her strength," adding, "We hope that the dance Yamada Ria loved most and her smile will remain in your hearts."
They added, "We sincerely thank everyone who loved Yamada Ria."
Meanwhile, Yamada Ria temporarily suspended her dancing career last year after announcing that she had been diagnosed with a serious autoimmune disease. At the time, she personally updated her fans on her health through her account and said she would focus on treatment.
At the time, she said that the serious autoimmune disease had left her needing anticancer treatment and a bone marrow transplant, and that she would suspend all dance activities for the time being to recover her health.
Born in 2009, Yamada Ria made a name for herself among fans in South Korea and abroad with her exceptional dancing skills despite her young age.
In particular, she appeared as a member of the Jam Republic crew on Mnet's 'Street Dance Girls Fighter 2,' which aired in December 2023, and drew attention as a "world-class teenage dancer" after winning the final title.
Jam Republic in 'Street Dance Girls Fighter 2' was made up of members from several countries, including Ria, Park Eun-woo, Sienna, and Miyabi. The team attracted considerable attention during the show as the successor to the reputation of the master crew Jam Republic, which finished as the runner-up on Mnet's 'Street Woman Fighter 2.'
tokkig@sportschosun.com
This article has been translated by GripLabs Mingo AI.
