SEOUL, South Korea — South Korean actor Lee Yong-joo, known for his roles in the hit drama “Princess Hours” and tvN sitcom “Blue Tower,” died Saturday, Aug. 29, at 44 after suffering cardiac arrest, according to South Korean media reports.
A close friend announced Lee’s death on social media and asked fans and colleagues to remember the actor as he was laid to rest.
Lee’s death drew attention to his previously disclosed heart condition. In 2013, while promoting “Blue Tower,” he revealed that he had been exempted from mandatory military service after doctors diagnosed him with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a condition that causes the heart muscle to become abnormally thick.
Lee said his mother had also been hospitalized with the condition. Doctors advised members of his family to undergo medical examinations because the disease can run in families.
Lee began his entertainment career as a model before making his acting debut with a minor role in the 2004 film “Doma Ahn Jung-geun.” He later appeared in MBC’s “Hello, Francesca” and “Princess Hours.”
In “Princess Hours,” which aired in 2006, Lee played Jang Kyung, a high school friend of Crown Prince Lee Shin, portrayed by Ju Ji-hoon.
He later appeared in “Unstoppable Marriage,” the “Rude Miss Young-ae” series, “The Women’s Room,” “Let’s Eat,” “My Unfortunate Boyfriend,” “Bad Detective” and “New Recruit.”
Lee gained recognition through “Blue Tower,” where he played a new recruit despite never having served in the military.
His wake is being held at Room 5 of the Bundang Jesaeng Hospital Funeral Hall in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province.
Lee’s funeral procession is scheduled for 6:30 a.m. Monday, Aug. 31, followed by burial at the Seongnam City Funeral Culture Complex.
