South Korean actor Lee Yong-joo has died at the age of 44 after suffering a sudden cardiac arrest, according to reports from South Korean media on Saturday, Aug. 29. A source close to the actor announced the news via social media, stating that Lee passed away that morning, as reported by outlets including AsiaOne and WION.
Tributes and Social Media Announcements
According to reports from AsiaOne and WION, a close acquaintance shared the news on social media because family members were struggling to manage communications over the weekend due to a password-protected phone. The statement read, as quoted by WION: “Even as I write this, I still cannot believe it. Actor Lee Yong-joo, who brought laughter to many as the clumsy yet lovable ‘new recruit Lee Yong-joo’ in ‘Blue Tower’, passed away suddenly from cardiac arrest this morning.” Emotional tributes from colleagues and industry peers have since poured in, highlighting his warmth and presence on set, according to WION.
Medical History and Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Lee had previously been exempted from military service due to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, an inherited genetic heart disease that causes abnormal thickening of the heart muscle, as reported by AsiaOne. According to AsiaOne, the actor first revealed his diagnosis during a 2013 press conference for the military sitcom Blue Tower. In a separate interview cited by AsiaOne, Lee explained that his mother was hospitalized with the same condition and that he discovered his own diagnosis following a medical checkup advised by her doctor.
Acting Career and Notable Roles
Lee began his career as a model before making his acting debut in the 2004 film An Jung-geun’s Altar, according to AsiaOne. He is best known for his performance as Crown Prince Lee Shin’s high school buddy Jang-kyung in the 2006 romantic-comedy drama Princess Hours, as noted by both AsiaOne and WION. His television credits span two decades, including roles in:
- Unstoppable Marriage (2007), per AsiaOne
- Ugly Miss Young Ae (2009–2010), referenced by WION as Rude Miss Young Ae
- Blue Tower (2013), as reported by AsiaOne
- Divorce Lawyer in Love (2015), according to AsiaOne
- New Recruit (2022), per AsiaOne
Outside of acting, Lee discussed closing his travel agency in a 2020 interview due to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to AsiaOne.
Funeral and Memorial Arrangements
According to AsiaOne, Lee Yong-joo’s wake has been set up at Bundang Jesaeng Hospital’s funeral hall. The funeral procession is scheduled to take place in the morning on Aug. 31, as reported by AsiaOne.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the death of actor Lee Yong-joo?
According to South Korean media reports cited by AsiaOne and WION, Lee Yong-joo died from a sudden cardiac arrest on Aug. 29 at the age of 44.
What were Lee Yong-joo’s most famous television roles?
According to AsiaOne and WION, Lee was best known for his performances as the new recruit in the military sitcom Blue Tower and as Jang-kyung in the drama Princess Hours.
Where is Lee Yong-joo’s wake being held?
According to AsiaOne, the wake is set up at Bundang Jesaeng Hospital’s funeral hall, with the funeral procession scheduled for the morning of Aug. 31.