Lee Yong Joo Dies Suddenly at 44
LEE YONG JOO – The South Korean actor has died at the age of 44 after suffering cardiac arrest. His sudden death was announced by a close friend on social media on August 29, 2026. The friend shared the news with sadness and asked for condolences for the actor and his loved ones.
Lee Yong Joo’s previous statements about his health have resurfaced following his death. In February, he appeared on fellow actor Lee Jong Hyuk’s YouTube channel and spoke about being diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a heart condition that causes the heart muscle to become unusually thick and can affect the heart’s ability to pump blood properly.
The actor revealed that his condition led to his exemption from South Korea’s mandatory military service. He also said that he may have inherited the condition from his mother, who had previously been hospitalized after being diagnosed with the same disease.
Lee Yong Joo began his career as a model before moving into acting. He made his acting debut in 2004 in An Jung-geun’s Altar. He later appeared in several popular television dramas, including Hello, Franceska, Princess Hours, Ugly Miss Young Ae, Divorce Lawyer in Love, and Uncontrollably Fond.
He gained wider recognition through The Blue Tower, which aired from 2013 to 2014. In the series, he played Yoo Jung, a rookie soldier known for his clumsy but lovable personality. The role helped him become more familiar to Korean drama viewers.
Lee Yong Joo continued working in the entertainment industry for more than two decades. His sudden passing has shocked fans and colleagues, especially given his previous public discussion about his heart condition. He is remembered for his acting work and the characters he brought to life throughout his career.
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