I was stunned when I heard the news of actor Lee Yong-joo's passing. He was only 44 years old.

It was reported that he suddenly passed away from a heart attack.

I am now 45 years old. We are almost the same age.

Perhaps that's why the news of a famous celebrity's death felt different this time.

When I hear about an actor in their 80s passing away, I can somewhat accept it, but hearing that someone my age suddenly died from a heart attack felt strange and shocking.

I don't remember Lee Yong-joo by name from the beginning. The strongest memory I have of him is from 'Blue Tower.'

During my time living in LA, I really enjoyed watching 'Blue Tower' while looking for Korean variety shows and dramas. It's a comedy based on military life, and once I started watching, I couldn't stop. For men who have served in the military, there are many scenes that make you think, "I really knew someone like that," and the exaggerated portrayal of events in the confined space of the military was truly funny.

I also remember the character of the new recruit that Lee Yong-joo played very well.

He had a somewhat clumsy and oblivious yet natural demeanor.

His performance didn't feel forced to be funny; it was as if a real new recruit had joined the unit.

So whenever 'Blue Tower' is mentioned, Lee Yong-joo's face immediately comes to mind.

However, while looking for articles this time, I was reminded that he also appeared in 'My Name is Kim Sam-soon.'

In that work, he played a character who graduated from Yonsei University and had a TOEIC score over 900.

I remember he portrayed a character who, despite having a good university and excellent English scores, struggled to find success in reality.

At the time, I thought he was just a funny character, but looking back now, it seems that Lee Yong-joo naturally portrayed such relatable characters.

Born in 1982, Lee Yong-joo started acting in 2004 with a minor role in the film 'An Jung-geun.'

He wasn't a flashy top star, but sometimes these actors leave a lasting impression.

When watching dramas, there are actors whose faces seem familiar, and they naturally create the atmosphere of the work the moment they appear.

Lee Yong-joo was one of those actors.

The funeral home has been set up at Bundang Jesaeng Hospital, and the funeral is scheduled for 6:30 AM on the 31st.

44 years old. It still feels too young to think about.

You never know when or how something will happen. The fact that someone who was living a normal life until yesterday is suddenly gone today makes you reflect on life through news like this.

Lee Yong-joo, who brought smiles with his clumsy expressions in 'Blue Tower.'

Lee Yong-joo, who portrayed an ordinary man in 'My Name is Kim Sam-soon.'

It's disappointing that we won't be able to see him in new works anymore.

I offer my condolences to the deceased.