Korean Icon Lee Soon Jae: A Legendary Actor's Six-Decade Journey Ends at 91
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Lee Soon Jae, a Korean screen legend, has passed away at the age of 91 after a remarkable six-decade career. The news has been met with an outpouring of tributes from across generations, with young celebrities and prominent K-pop singers sharing memories of his warmth and kindness. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung paid heartfelt tribute to the late actor, hailing him as a master performer who brought laughter, emotion, comfort, and courage to audiences through his work in theatre, film, and television. "From theatre to film and television, he brought us laughter, emotion, comfort and courage," the President wrote on Facebook. Born in 1934 in Hoeryong, now part of North Korea, Lee's acting journey began at Seoul National University, where he made his debut in the 1956 play Beyond the Horizon. He went on to become one of South Korea's most celebrated and prolific performers, starring in over 140 major television dramas, numerous films, and stage productions. Lee's iconic roles in Korean television history include his portrayal of a stern, traditional father figure in the family drama What Is Love? (1991-1992), which achieved a remarkable 65% viewership rating. He also gained widespread acclaim for his performances in historical dramas such as Hur Jun (1999) and Lee San (2007). Despite his advanced age, Lee remained active in the entertainment industry until October 2024, when he withdrew from a run of Waiting for Godot due to illness. His final public appearance was at an awards ceremony in December, where he won the Grand Prize at the KBS Drama Awards for his lead role in the comedy series Dog Knows Everything, becoming the oldest South Korean actor ever to receive the honour. Lee's funeral will be held at the Asan Medical Center in Songpa District, southern Seoul, on Thursday, followed by a funeral procession at 6:20 a.m. He will be laid to rest at Eden Paradise Cemetery in Icheon, Gyeonggi Province.
