South Korean actor Lee Yong-joo, best known for his role in the 2006 hit K-drama “Princess Hours,” has died at the age of 44.
News of his passing was reportedly confirmed by one of his close friends in a social media post on Aug. 29, describing the actor’s death, which was caused by a cardiac arrest, as “sudden news” that was “still hard to believe,” according to The Chosun Daily.
Lee had previously opened up about his health struggles in February when he appeared on fellow actor Lee Jong-hyuk’s YouTube channel.
At the time, he revealed that he had been diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a heart condition in which the heart muscle becomes abnormally thick and stiff, making it more difficult for the heart to pump blood effectively.
The actor also shared that his mother had been hospitalized after being diagnosed with the same condition, adding that he discovered his own condition after undergoing a medical examination following his doctor’s recommendation.
Due to his heart condition, Lee was exempted from South Korea’s mandatory military service.
Lee began his acting career in 2004 with the historical film “Doma Ahn Jung-geun.” He went on to appear in various television dramas, including “Ugly Miss Young-Ae,” “The Women’s Room,” “12 Years Promise,” “My Unfortunate Boyfriend,” “Golden Pouch,” “Less than Evil,” and “Uncontrollably Fond.”
Lee gained wider recognition for his appearance in “Princess Hours,” the beloved 2006 series starring Yoon Eun-hye, Ju Ji-hoon, Kim Jeong-hoon, and Song Ji-hyo.
He also appeared in “Blue Tower,” where he portrayed a military character, a role that became one of the significant breakthroughs in his acting career.
