South Korean actor Lee Yong-joo of 'Princess Hours' fame dies at 44
South Korean actor Lee Yong-joo, known for his roles in 'Princess Hours' and 'Blue Tower', has passed away at age 44. He died from cardiac arrest, a condition linked to his previously disclosed hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
Why it matters
The death of a recognizable public figure highlights the ongoing health risks associated with hereditary heart conditions.
South Korean actor Lee Yong-joo, known for his roles in the hit drama Princess Hours (2006) and tvN sitcom Blue Tower (2013 to 2014), has died at 44.
According to South Korean media, he died on Aug 29 from a cardiac arrest.
A close friend announced his death on social media. “My friend Lee Yong-joo passed away suddenly. The sudden news is still hard to believe,” the friend wrote, asking fans and colleagues to remember Lee on his final journey.
Lee’s death has brought renewed attention to his previously disclosed heart condition.
In 2013, while promoting Blue Tower, the actor revealed that he had been exempted from mandatory military service after being diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a condition in which the heart muscle becomes abnormally thick.
Lee said at the time that his mother had been hospitalised with the same condition.
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