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He Yong news
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
Actor Lee Yong-joo died at 44 from cardiac arrest on Aug 29. His sudden death shocks fans who knew his heart condition.
Background
Lee Yong-joo was a South Korean actor known for his role as 'Private Lee Yong-joo' in the tvN sitcom 'Blue Tower'. He had been exempted from military service due to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a heart condition he disclosed in interviews. Recently, he had been trying to make a comeback after a business failure, running a one-person travel agency.
How it unfolded
- Feb 2026Lee appeared on actor Lee Jong-hyuk's YouTube channel, revealing his heart condition and his new travel agency business.
- Aug 29, 2026Lee Yong-joo died suddenly from cardiac arrest in the morning. An acquaintance announced the news on social media, asking for help reaching colleagues.
- Aug 31, 2026Funeral was scheduled to be held on this date.
Who’s saying what
- Acquaintance
- A close friend expressed disbelief and sorrow, noting the family is struggling because Lee's phone is password-protected and they can't reach his contacts.
- Public
- Fans and colleagues are mourning, recalling his memorable portrayal in 'Blue Tower' and his recent efforts to restart his career.
Still unverified
The exact cause of cardiac arrest and whether it was directly linked to his hypertrophic cardiomyopathy has not been officially confirmed.