MANILA, Philippines — South Korean actor Lee Yong-joo, known for his roles in the dramas “Princess Hours” and “Blue Tower,” has died at 44.
Lee died of cardiac arrest on Saturday, Aug. 29, according to The Chosun Daily. A close friend announced the actor’s death on social media, describing the news as sudden and difficult to believe.
“We regretfully inform you that our friend Lee Yong-joo has passed away suddenly. The shocking news is hard to believe. We ask for your warm condolences as he begins his final journey,” the friend wrote, according to The Chosun Daily.
Lee was best known in South Korea for playing a clumsy rookie soldier in tvN’s military sitcom “Blue Tower,” which aired in 2013 and became one of his career-defining roles. He also appeared in the show’s related projects.
For international K-drama fans, Lee was also recognized for his appearance in the 2006 MBC romantic drama “Princess Hours,” starring Yoon Eun-hye, Ju Ji-hoon, Kim Jeong-hoon and Song Ji-hyo.
Lee played Jang Kyung, a high school friend of Crown Prince Lee Shin, portrayed by Ju Ji-hoon. Although his role was not among the drama’s central characters, “Princess Hours” became a widely popular Korean series and remains familiar to Filipino viewers who followed the rise of Hallyu dramas in the 2000s.
Lee began his career as a fashion model before moving into acting. He made his screen debut in the 2004 film “Doma Ahn Jung-geun” and later appeared in television productions including “Hello, Franceska” and “Rude Miss Young-ae,” as well as the 2022 drama “New Recruit.”
His sudden passing also shed light on his previously disclosed heart condition. In February, Lee appeared on fellow actor Lee Jong-hyuk’s YouTube channel and spoke about being exempted from South Korea’s mandatory military service because he had been diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
According to a report by Health Chosun, Lee had previously said that his mother had also been hospitalized with the condition and that he was told it could be hereditary.
Lee’s wake was held at Room 5 of Bundang Jesaeng Hospital Funeral Hall in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province. His funeral procession was scheduled for 6:30 a.m. Monday, Aug. 31, with his burial at the Seongnam City Funeral Culture Complex.
