South Korean actor Lee Yongju has died at the age of 44 after reportedly suffering cardiac arrest.
A funeral procession for the actor was held at 6:30 a.m. on August 31 at the funeral hall of Bundang Jesaeng Hospital. His remains were scheduled to be laid to rest at the Seongnam City Funeral Culture Center.
Lee Yongju reportedly died suddenly on the morning of August 29. News of his passing was first shared by an acquaintance.
Friend Announces Actor’s Death
The actor’s acquaintance took to social media to announce the heartbreaking news, writing:
“My most precious friend, actor Lee Yongju suddenly passed away that morning from cardiac arrest.”
The announcement left fans and colleagues mourning the unexpected loss.
Actor Had Previously Spoken About Heart Condition
Before his death, Lee Yongju had spoken publicly about his health during an appearance on actor Lee Jong-Hyuk’s YouTube channel in February.
During the conversation, he revealed that he had been exempted from mandatory military service because of a heart condition.
“There is something wrong related to my heart,” he said at the time.
Lee Yongju was reportedly known to have hypertrophic cardiomyopathy during his lifetime. Despite not completing military service, he earned praise for his realistic portrayal of a new recruit in the popular series “New Recruit.”
He Was Rebuilding His Life
During the same YouTube appearance, Lee Yongju also opened up about returning to Seoul after a business venture in Busan failed.
He explained that he had decided to start over and pursue a new path, revealing that he operated a one-person travel agency near Moran Market in Seongnam.
“I run a one-person travel agency near Moran Market in Seongnam,” he said.
His sudden death came only about six months after he had begun rebuilding his life, making the news particularly painful for those who knew him.
Lee Yongju’s Acting Career
Lee Yongju made his acting debut in the 2004 film “Doma An Jung-geun” and went on to feature in numerous television dramas and movies.
His television credits included “Annyeong, Francesca,” “Palace,” the “My Name Is Kim Sam-soon” series, the “푸른거탑” series, “Odd Daughter-in-law,” “Golden Pocket,” “Bad Detective,” and “New Recruit.”
He also appeared in films such as “Type B Boyfriend,” “Multicellular Girl,” and “Dust-Collected Romance.”
His unexpected passing has sparked an outpouring of grief among those who followed his work and knew him personally.
