Actor Lee Yong-joo of Pureun Geotap Dies Suddenly at 44

Actor Lee Yong-joo died on the 29th after suffering a sudden cardiac arrest. He was 44. His passing comes after years of steady work across Korean film and television, and the abruptness of the news left even close friends struggling to process it.

A close acquaintance posted the news on Lee's own social media account, writing that the information was spreading slowly because the death was so unexpected and Lee's phone was locked, making it difficult for family members to reach people who knew him. The same friend asked anyone who had known Lee to share the news widely so that word could reach those who cared about him.

In a separate personal post, another longtime friend described Lee as someone who was "kinder than anyone" and always in his corner. "I still can't believe you're gone," the friend wrote. "Please rest without any worries wherever you are. We'll meet again."

A career built on character work

Lee Yong-joo was born in 1982 and made his debut in the 2004 film Doma Ahn Jung-geun, transitioning from modeling into acting. He built his career across a wide range of productions, including Annyeong Francesca, the long-running Maggdae-meogеun Yeong-ae-ssi series, Let's Eat, and Hwanggeumgeotap.

His most recognized role came from the tvN military comedy Pureun Geotap, where he played a new recruit in a performance that earned him a lasting place in the audience's memory. The role captured a particular kind of deadpan commitment that character actors rarely get credit for, and viewers clearly noticed. His final screen appearance was in the 2022 ENA drama Sinbyeong, which now stands as his last completed work.

In 2020, Lee and fellow Pureun Geotap cast member Jung Jin-wook launched a joint YouTube channel called Jjamtiger TV, though uploads stopped after about a year. His social media activity had also gone quiet since December of last year, details that in retrospect lend the news an additional layer of sadness.

Tributes gather at his final post

Fans and viewers have left messages on Lee's last social media post, with many expressing disbelief at the suddenness of the loss. Comments ranged from "This is too sudden" and "He was an actor I really loved" to "Thank you for all the wonderful performances" and "Please rest in peace."

Funeral arrangements were made at Bundang Jesaeng Hospital, room five. The funeral procession is scheduled for 6:30 a.m. on the 31st, with burial at a crematorium in Seongnam. He is survived by his family.