{
  "id": 4788291,
  "title": "#SHOWBIZ: 'Princess Hours' actor Lee Yong-joo dies at 44 after cardiac arrest",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/01/showbiz-princess-hours-actor-lee-yong-joo-dies-at-44-after-cardiac",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-09-01T05:07:21.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/lifestyle/groove/2026/09/1523358/showbiz-princess-hours-actor-lee-yong-joo-dies-44-after-cardiac"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "South Korean actor Lee Yong-joo, renowned for his roles in Princess Hours (2006) and Blue Tower (2013–2014), has died at 44 due to cardiac arrest, according to South Korean media. His friend shared the news on social media, expressing disbelief at the loss. Lee had previously disclosed a heart condition, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which led to his exemption from mandatory military service in 2013. Born as a fashion model, Lee transitioned into acting, appearing in films like Doma Ahn Jung-geun (2004) and TV shows such as Hello, Francesca (2005–2006). He gained widespread recognition for his role as Jang Kyung in Princess Hours (2006), a character that highlighted his comedic talent despite his exemption from military service. Lee's memorial was held at the Bundang Jesaeng Hospital Funeral Hall in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, with a funeral procession the following day.",
  "summary": "SEOUL: South Korean actor Lee Yong-joo, best remembered for his memorable roles in the hit drama Princess Hours (2006) and the popular sitcom Blue Tower (2013–2014), has passed away at the age of 44.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Malay Mail",
        "title": "Lee Yong‑joo, ‘Blue Tower’ actor, dies suddenly of cardiac arrest at 40",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/30/lee-yong-joo-blue-tower-actor-dies-suddenly-of-cardiac-arrest-at-40",
        "published": "2026-08-30T08:52:06.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}