‘The Blue Tower’ actor Lee Yong-joo passes away at 44 after heart attack; family devastated, funeral to be held on August 31

Actor Lee Yong-joo has passed away suddenly at the age of 44, reportedly after suffering a heart attack. The unexpected news has left fans and colleagues shocked and saddened.Lee Yong-joo was best known for playing the role of rookie soldier Lee Yong-joo in the tvN series The Blue Tower. His death was announced on social media on August 29 by a close acquaintance, who also shared a photo of the actor’s funeral altar, as reported by Sports Chosun.The acquaintance confirmed the actor’s passing while remembering him following the tragic news.“I hope this post reaches everyone who knew my dearest friend, actor Lee Yong Joo. Even as I write this, I still cannot believe it,” the acquaintance wrote.They added, “Actor Lee Yong Joo brought laughter to many people as the awkward but lovable rookie soldier Lee Yong Joo in tvN’s The Blue Tower. He suddenly passed away from a heart attack this morning, August 29.”Family and friends struggle to come to terms with his sudden deathLee Yong-joo’s family and close friends were reportedly devastated and struggling to come to terms with his sudden death.The acquaintance explained that because the death occurred unexpectedly, news of his passing had not yet reached many people outside the family and a small circle of close acquaintances.“Because this happened so suddenly, the obituary has not yet reached anyone beyond the family and a few close acquaintances. His phone was locked, and since it is the weekend, his family is also having a very difficult time dealing with the sudden situation,” they said.The acquaintance also made a heartfelt appeal to those who knew the actor.“If anyone reading this knew Yong Joo, please share this news widely so it can reach them,” they said.They also paid an emotional tribute to the late actor, writing, “My dear friend Yong Joo, who was always on my side. I still cannot believe you are gone. Please rest peacefully there without any worries. We will definitely meet again.”Lee Yong-joo had previously spoken about his heart conditionFollowing news of Lee Yong-joo’s sudden death, his previously disclosed heart condition has also come back into focus.During a 2013 interview related to The Blue Tower, the actor explained why he had been exempted from mandatory military service.“I was exempted because of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a rare disease. I underwent a physical examination and was granted an exemption,” he said at the time.Lee Yong-joo also revealed that his mother had been hospitalized with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and that doctors had warned the condition could potentially be inherited.“My mother was hospitalized with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The hospital said there was a high chance it could be inherited, so my sister and I were tested. I was the only one who had the same condition as my mother,” he said.Lee Yong-joo’s funeral arrangementsLee Yong-joo’s funeral altar has been set up in Room 5 of the funeral hall at Bundang Jesaeng Hospital.His funeral procession is scheduled for 6:30 a.m. on August 31, after which he will be laid to rest at the Seongnam City Funeral Culture Center.Lee Yong-joo’s acting careerLee Yong-joo began his acting career in 2005 with the MBC drama Hello, Franceska.He later appeared in projects including Princess Hours, Saint Valentine and Ugly Miss Young-ae.However, he became widely recognised for his role as the struggling Private Lee Yong-joo in tvN’s The Blue Tower. His portrayal of the awkward yet lovable rookie soldier helped him leave a memorable impression on viewers.His sudden death at the age of 44 has prompted an outpouring of grief from those who knew him and audiences who remember his work on television.