Heartbreaking: Beloved TV star d!es aged 44. P0lice are expanding their investigation into the cause, leaving viewers devastated.

Blue Tower Actor Lee Yong-joo Dies Aged 44 as Heartbroken Co-stars Pay Tribute

South Korean actor and former model Lee Yong-joo has died suddenly at the age of 44, prompting an outpouring of tributes from friends and former colleagues.

Lee, who was widely recognised for his appearance in the 2013 television comedy Blue Tower, died on August 29. Chosun Daily reported that the actor suffered a heart attack.

News of his death was shared on social media by friends, with one announcing: “We regretfully inform you that our friend Lee Yong-joo has passed away suddenly. We ask for your warm condolences as he begins his final journey.”

Another friend expressed disbelief at the news, writing: “My friend Lee Yong-joo has passed away suddenly. I still cannot believe this sudden news. Please remember Yong-joo’s final journey with many others, and pray for his soul with warm hearts.”

Alongside Blue Tower, Lee appeared in the popular romantic drama Princess Hours and the historical film Doma Ahn Jung-geun. He had originally entered the entertainment industry as a model before building a career as an actor.

His death comes more than a decade after he spoke publicly about being diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, an inherited condition that causes the heart muscle to become abnormally thick.

The thickening can make it more difficult for the heart to pump blood and, in some cases, may lead to serious complications. However, no official statement has established whether Lee’s previously disclosed condition was directly connected to his reported heart attack.

During a 2013 interview connected to Blue Tower, Lee explained that he had been exempted from compulsory military service after doctors discovered the condition during a physical examination.

He said medical professionals had warned that the condition could run in families, leading both him and his sister to undergo testing.

“The hospital said there was a high chance it could be inherited, so my sister and I were tested,” he recalled. “I was the only one who had the same condition as my mother.”

Lee also referred to his health during an appearance earlier this year on actor Lee Jong-hyuk’s YouTube channel. During the conversation, he simply acknowledged: “I have some issues with my heart.”

At the time, Lee revealed that he had stepped into a different line of work and was operating a one-person travel agency in Moran, Seongnam.

Following confirmation of his death, those who had worked alongside him remembered Lee as a warm, considerate and passionate performer.

Blue Tower co-star shares heartbreaking regret

Baek Bong-gi, who appeared with Lee in Blue Tower, posted an emotional message on Instagram. His tribute conveyed his sadness that the pair had not remained in closer contact.

“I regret not calling you more often and not seeing you more often,” Baek wrote. “I’m sorry, brother.”

Comedian Kim Jae-woo also reflected on his memories of Lee, recalling the actor’s unmistakable smile and the kindness he showed to people around him on set.

“I can still vividly picture him walking toward me from far away on set with a big grin on his face,” Kim said.

He described Lee as someone who genuinely cared about his fellow performers and brought enormous dedication to his work.

“Yong-joo was a good person who sincerely worried about his colleagues, and he was the most passionate actor of all,” Kim continued.

Confirming that he had joined others in saying goodbye, the comedian added: “Today, with a heavy heart and deep sadness, I saw Yong-joo off on his final journey.”

Lee is being remembered by colleagues and viewers for both his screen performances and the warmth he showed behind the scenes.