Actor Lee Yong-ju of 'Pureun Geotap' dies of heart attack at 44

Lee Yong-ju, the actor beloved for his role in the tvN series "Pureun Geotap," a military sitcom, died Saturday. He was 44.

Lee died of a heart attack Saturday, people in the broadcasting industry said.

A close friend announced his death through Lee's SNS account. "My friend Lee Yong-ju has passed away suddenly," the friend wrote. "The news is so sudden that I still can't believe it. I ask that many people remember Yong-ju on his final journey."

In a past interview, Lee had revealed that he was exempted from mandatory military service due to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a rare heart condition.

A former fashion model, Lee began his acting career in 2004 with a minor role in the film "Doma Ahn Jung-geun." Known for his tall frame and striking looks, he consistently expanded his range across numerous productions, including the MBC sitcom "Annyeong, Francesca," the tvN series "Makdwaemeoguen Yeong-ae," a workplace comedy, and the SBS drama "Two Women's Room."

His most celebrated role came in "Pureun Geotap," which aired in 2013. He played a clumsy, oblivious new recruit named Lee Yong-ju, delivering a grounded, true-to-life performance that resonated with audiences.

A memorial hall has been set up at room No. 5 of Bundang Jesaeng Hospital in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province. The funeral procession is scheduled for 6:30 a.m. Monday, with burial to take place at the Seongnam Municipal Funeral Culture Center.