Actor Lee Yong-ju, celebrated for his warm and relatable screen presence, passed away on August 29, 2026, at the age of 44 following a sudden heart attack. The unexpected news has drawn an outpouring of grief from fans, colleagues, and the broader entertainment industry, where he was widely cherished for his comedic timing and dedicated work ethic.
Lee entered the entertainment landscape as a fashion model before transitioning to screen acting, making his official debut in 2004 with a supporting role in the film Thomas Ahn Jung-geun. Over the years, he steadily built a recognizable career across major television networks, earning attention through appearances in MBC’s cult-classic sitcom Hello, Francesca, the global hit drama Princess Hours, tvN’s long-running Rude Miss Young-ae, and SBS’s daily series Two Women's Room.
His defining breakthrough came with tvN’s military comedy franchise Blue Tower, where his endearing portrayal of an innocent, bumbling recruit struck a deep chord with audiences nationwide. In real life, Lee had been medically exempted from South Korea’s mandatory military draft due to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy—a hereditary condition characterized by thickened heart muscle tissue. Despite never serving in uniform, his commitment to faithfully depicting the daily lives of active-duty soldiers made his character an enduring fan favorite.
In the wake of his passing, former castmates and close friends took to social media to share fond memories of his bright demeanor on set, expressing deep sorrow over the sudden loss. A memorial altar has been established in Room 5 of the Bundang Jesaeng Hospital funeral hall in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province. The funeral procession is scheduled for early morning on August 31, 2026, followed by a final service at the Seongnam Municipal Funeral Cultural Center.