Lee Yong-joo has passed away at the age of 44. The actor was known for appearing in projects such as 'Princess Hours,' 'Blue Tower,' 'Doma Ahn Jung-geun,' 'Divorce Lawyer in Love,' 'The Virtual Bride,' 'The Unusual Family,' and 'Less Than Evil.'
Lee Yong-joo, who played Jang-kyung, a high school friend of the Crown Prince Lee Shin in '
Princess Hours,' is no more. He was 44. The news of his death was shared on social media by his friend on August 29, according to The Chosun Daily.
"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," wrote his friend.
What was Lee Yong-joo's cause of death?
According to The Chosun Daily, Yong-joo died after suffering cardiac arrest.
Lee Yong-joo's past interview goes viral
The actor's sudden death has drawn attention to a heart condition he had spoken about publicly earlier this year. In February, Yong-joo appeared on fellow actor Lee Jong-hyuk's YouTube channel, where he discussed his health and explained that he had been exempted from South Korea's mandatory military service because of his heart condition.
"I have some issues with my heart," Yong-joo revealed. It was later known that he had suffered from hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a condition in which the heart muscle becomes abnormally thick. The thickening can make it more difficult for the heart to pump blood effectively and, in some cases, can lead to serious cardiac complications.
Lee Yong-joo's acting career
Despite his health struggles, Yong-joo built a career for himself after initially working as a model before stepping into the world of acting. He appeared as Jang-kyung in the popular romance drama '
Princess Hours' and as Private Lee Yong-joo in 'Blue Tower.' His acting credits also include the historical film 'Doma Ahn Jung-geun,' 'Divorce Lawyer in Love,' 'The Virtual Bride,' 'The Unusual Family,' and 'Less Than Evil.'
After appearing in a series of acting projects, Yong-joo reportedly moved into the travel business. He was running a one-person travel agency near Moran Market in Seongnam at the time of his death.
Kim Ho-chang pays tribute
Following his death, Kim Ho-chang shared an emotional tribute on Instagram, recalling how Yong-joo encouraged him when he considered leaving acting. "You'll make it, Ho Chang. Don't give up. At least you should stick with it until the end as the youngest of the Blue Tower family. I'll trust you and see this through to the end. I hope you're happy and free from pain up there. I'll come visit you again soon with the other brothers."
Rest in peace, Lee Yong-joo!
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