Actor Lee Yong Joo Passes Away At 44 – Cause Of Death And Funeral Details
Actor Lee Yong Joo, beloved for his roles in tvN’s “Blue Tower,” “Let’s Eat,” and the “New Recruit” series, passed away on August 29, 2026, at the age of 44. The cause of death was reported as a heart attack. His funeral will be held on August 31 at Bundang Jesaeng Hospital.
Official Announcement
The news of Lee Yong Joo’s passing was first shared through a close friend’s post on the actor’s social media account on August 29. The friend wrote:
“I would like to notify you that my friend Lee Yong Joo suddenly passed away. I still cannot believe this sudden news. I hope many people come offer your warm condolences and share memories through Lee Yong Joo’s final moments. May he rest in peace.”
The announcement confirmed that the funeral hall has been set up at Bundang Jesaeng Hospital.
Table of Contents
The Sudden Passing
Lee Yong Joo died on the morning of August 29, 2026, at the age of 44. According to broadcasting industry sources, the cause of death was a heart attack.
The actor had previously spoken about his heart condition. During a 2013 interview for “Blue Tower,” he revealed that he had been exempted from mandatory military service due to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a rare heart condition. He also shared that his mother had been hospitalized with the same condition and that doctors warned it could be inherited.
Funeral Arrangements
Career Highlights
Born in 1982, Lee Yong Joo began his entertainment career as a model before transitioning to acting. He made his acting debut in 2001 through the film “Sunyoung’s Letter” and continued with the 2004 film “Doma Ahn Jung-geun”.
His television career included appearances in:
- “Hello, Francesca” (MBC, 2005)
- “Gung” (2006)
- “The Ugly Duchess Young-ae” series (tvN, 2009–2014)
- “Blue Tower” (tvN, 2012–2014) — his breakout role as a rookie soldier
- “Let’s Eat” (tvN, 2013) — cameo appearance
- “New Recruit” series — his most recent work
The actor built a diverse filmography over more than two decades, appearing in both films and television dramas.
Why It Matters
Lee Yong Joo was a familiar face to Korean drama viewers, particularly for his comedic role as the awkward rookie soldier in “Blue Tower”. The sitcom, which ran from 2012 to 2014, gained a dedicated following and made him a recognizable name in the industry.
His passing at just 44 years old has shocked fans and colleagues alike. The sudden nature of his death, combined with his relatively young age, has drawn attention to his previously disclosed heart condition. The actor’s friend expressed disbelief in the announcement, noting that the news had not yet reached many people outside the family due to the unexpected circumstances.
What’s Next?
The funeral procession for Lee Yong Joo will take place on August 31 at 6:30 AM. The service will be held at Bundang Jesaeng Hospital’s funeral hall, Room 5, followed by cremation at the Seongnam Municipal Crematorium.
Fans and colleagues who wish to pay their respects can visit the funeral hall. The family has requested warm condolences and prayers for the deceased.
FAQ
Q: What was Lee Yong Joo’s cause of death?
A: Lee Yong Joo passed away from a heart attack on August 29, 2026, at the age of 44. He had previously been diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a heart condition that led to his military service exemption.
Q: What dramas and movies was Lee Yong Joo in?
A: Lee Yong Joo appeared in numerous productions including “Blue Tower,” “Let’s Eat,” “New Recruit,” “Hello, Francesca,” “Gung,” “The Ugly Duchess Young-ae” series, and films such as “Sunyoung’s Letter” and “Doma Ahn Jung-geun”.
Q: When and where is Lee Yong Joo’s funeral?
A: The funeral is being held at Bundang Jesaeng Hospital’s funeral hall, Room 5. The funeral procession is scheduled for August 31 at 6:30 AM.
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