South Korean actor and former model Lee Yong-joo has died aged 44. The star, best known for his role in the 2013 drama series Blue Tower, died on August 29 from a heart attack, according to Chosun Daily. He also starred in romance drama Princess Hours and the historical film Doma Ahn Jung-geun.
Friends confirm the news
According to the publication, a friend confirmed the news on social media, penning: "We regretfully inform you that our friend Lee Yong-joo has passed away suddenly… We ask for your warm condolences as he begins his final journey." Another also posted: "My friend Lee Yong-joo has passed away suddenly," adding, "I still cannot believe this sudden news. Please remember Yong-joo’s final journey with many others, and pray for his soul with warm hearts."
Heart condition revealed
Lee had previously shared in a 2013 interview about tvN’s The Blue Tower that he had been exempted from military duty after being diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy during his physical examination. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a genetic heart condition where the heart muscle becomes abnormally thick, making it harder for the heart to pump blood effectively.
He added, "The hospital said there was a high chance it could be inherited, so my sister and I were tested. I was the only one who had the same condition as my mother." He also spoke about his health issues earlier this year, as he said on actor Lee Jong-hyuk’s YouTube channel: "I have some issues with my heart."
Tributes from colleagues
At the time of his death, he had revealed he was running a one-person travel agency in Moran, Seongnam. Tributes have poured in from friends and colleagues, including his Blue Tower co-star Baek Bong-gi, who posted a tribute to Lee on Instagram, expressing regret that he had not spent more time with him. He wrote: "I regret not calling you more often and not seeing you more often. I’m sorry, brother."
Comedian Kim Jae-woo also said: "I can still vividly picture him walking toward me from far away on set with a big grin on his face. Yong-joo was a good person who sincerely worried about his colleagues, and he was the most passionate actor of all." He added, "Today, with a heavy heart and deep sadness, I saw Yong-joo off on his final journey."
