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‘Princess Hours’ actor Lee Yong-joo passes away at 44

Article (news)

Alyana De Guzman

Push Team

South Korean actor Lee Yong-joo has passed away at the age of 44. News of the actor’s sudden passing was shared by one of his close friends on social media on August 29, as shared by 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,” post read.  According to The Chosun Daily, Yong-joo died from cardiac arrest. <div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17880758507041788076030055.png" style="width:500px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div>His passing has also brought renewed attention to the health condition he had previously opened up about earlier this year. In February, Yong-joo appeared on the YouTube channel of fellow actor Lee Jong-hyuk, where he talked about his heart condition and revealed that he had been exempted from mandatory military service because of it. “I have some issues with my heart,” he said during the interview. It was later revealed that Yong-joo had been diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a disease in which the heart muscle becomes thickened, making it harder for the heart to pump blood. Despite being deemed unfit for military service, Yong-joo went on to earn recognition for his acting, particularly for his portrayal of a rookie soldier in the 2013 series Blue Tower. <div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17880758276451788076006838.png" style="width:660px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div>During the same interview, the actor also opened about rebuilding his life after a business venture in Busan did not work out. He eventually returned to Seoul and started over. “I’m running a one-person travel agency near Moran Market in Seongnam,” he shared, showing his determination to pursue a new chapter in his life. Yong-joo began his career as a model before transitioning into acting. Over the years, he appeared in several Korean dramas and films, including the beloved romance drama Princess Hours and the historical film Doma Ahn Jung-geun, among other projects.<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1788075805886NEW THUMB - 2026-08-30T154607.177.jpg" style="width:660px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div>Following news of his death, fellow actors and colleagues took to social media to remember Yong-joo not only as an actor but also as a caring friend and colleague. Comedian Kim Jae-woo recalled the actor’s warm personality and passion for his craft. “The sight of Yong-joo walking toward me from afar with a bright smile on the set is still vivid. Yong-joo was a genuinely caring person who worried about his colleagues and a more passionate actor than anyone. Today, with a sad and heavy heart, I saw Yong-joo off on his final journey. I sat alone, feeling pathetic, hoping he might sit beside me one last time, and stayed for a long time before leaving,” he wrote. Actor Baek Bong-gi also expressed his disbelief and regret over losing his friend. “Yong-joo… I can’t believe I’ll never see you again. I regret not taking better care of you when I had the chance… I wish I had contacted you one more time and met you more often… Only regrets remain. I’m sorry, brother. I hope you live without any worries or pain and are happy there. I’ll miss you dearly. Farewell, Yong-joo,” he also wrote. Yong-joo’s funeral procession and burial will be held on August 31.