"The Blue Tower" awkward rookie soldier actor Lee Yong-joo dies of heart attack at 44

[Financial News]  Actor Lee Yong-joo, who was loved for playing an awkward rookie soldier in tvN's "The Blue Tower," has died suddenly at the age of 44.

According to the broadcasting industry on the 30th, Lee died of a heart attack on the morning of the 29th.
A close acquaintance of the deceased announced the news of his death on social networking service on the day, saying, "My friend Lee Yong-joo has passed away suddenly," and added, "I still cannot believe this sudden news."
The acquaintance added, "He was an actor who brought laughter to many people as 'Private Lee Yong-joo' in tvN's 'The Blue Tower,' awkward but impossible to dislike," and said, "I hope many people will remember his final journey and pray for his soul with warm hearts."
Lee, who began his acting career as a model, made his screen debut in a minor role in the 2004 film "Doma Ahn Jung-geun." He later appeared in a range of productions, including Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation (MBC)'s "Hello Franceska," "Princess Hours," and tvN's "Ugly Miss Young-ae."
He was especially beloved for playing Private Lee Yong-joo in the "The Blue Tower" series, where he portrayed an awkward but endearing soldier. His performance as a rookie who repeatedly made mistakes because he could not adjust to military life left a strong impression on viewers.


Kim Jae-woo, who worked with the late actor on "The Blue Tower," also paid tribute to him after the sudden news of his death.
Kim Jae-woo shared an old photo of himself with Lee on his social networking service and remembered the late actor, saying, "I can still vividly picture him walking toward me from far away with a big grin whenever I went to the set."
He recalled Lee as "a good person who sincerely worried about his colleagues and an actor more passionate than anyone else," and said, "Today, with a heavy and sorrowful heart, I saw Yong-joo off on his final journey. I stayed there for a long time, sitting alone in case he might somehow sit down in front of me once more."
Looking back on their memories from "The Blue Tower," Kim Jae-woo offered his final farewell, saying, "Hey, rookie! Come visit me in my dreams sometimes. Let's boil instant noodles and eat them like we used to!" He added, "I hope Yong-joo will be remembered for a long time as an actor who lives on in people's hearts."
The funeral altar has been set up in Room 5 at the funeral hall of Bundang Jesaeng Hospital. The funeral procession will be held at 6:30 a.m. on the 31st, and the burial site is the Seongnam City Funeral Culture Center.

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