South Korean actor Lee Yong-joo dies at 44 after cardiac arrest, Blue Tower co-stars pay emotional tributes

South Korean actor Lee Yong-joo, best known for his role as a rookie soldier in the 2013 tvN military sitcom Blue Tower, passed away at the age of 44 due to cardiac arrest. Fellow cast member Kim Ho-chang paid emotional tribute to his late co-star by sharing a group photo of the cast and crew on social media. The photograph included Kim alongside Song Young-jae, Baek Bong-ki, and producer Min Jin-ki.

Kim recalled a recent conversation with Lee, where the veteran actor encouraged him to continue acting despite Kim considering quitting. Lee had once told him, "Ho-chang, you'll do well. Please, as the youngest among the Blue Tower family, don't give up and go all the way. My intuition is good." Kim responded, "I'll trust you, hyung, and I'll go all the way.

I hope you aren't in pain there and that you're happy." Lee's sudden death has brought renewed attention to his disclosed heart condition, which he had previously discussed on YouTube. While sources have reported that he had hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a condition causing an abnormally thick heart muscle, there is no direct evidence linking his condition to his death.

Lee's career began in modelling before transitioning into acting, with his debut in the 2004 film Doma Ahn Jung-geun. He later appeared in various television productions and gained widespread recognition for his role in Blue Tower.