Beloved South Korean Actor Lee Soon-jae Passes Away at 91

Lee Soon-jae, a venerated figure in South Korea's acting scene, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 91, according to his agency. With a distinguished career spanning over seven decades, he earned the title of "national TV dad" for his impactful portrayals as a wise elder in numerous films and television dramas.

His legacy includes celebrated performances in popular series such as the 1991 soap opera What on Earth is Love, where he depicted a strict father, and the beloved sitcom High Kick!, airing from 2006 to 2012, in which he was an endearing grandfather. His influence spanned generations, cementing his status as a household staple in South Korea and beyond.

News of his passing triggered a wave of tributes from the entertainment sector and even governmental leaders. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung commended Lee Soon-jae on social media, noting, "His work in theatre, film, and television brought us laughter, emotion, comfort, and courage." Many K-pop artists and young actors shared their fond memories, celebrating his generosity and warmth both onscreen and offscreen.

Lee remained actively involved in the entertainment industry until very recently. He clinched the grand prize at the KBS Drama Awards in 2023 for his stellar role in Dog Knows Everything, making history as the oldest actor in South Korea to receive this accolade. His lively spirit complemented his talent and served as an inspiration for many. He articulated his life philosophy on the travel program Grandpas Over Flowers: "You become old when you sit down and expect to be waited on," encouraging seniors to remain active and involved.

Born in 1934 in Hoeryeong, now part of North Korea, Lee relocated to Seoul at the age of four. He contributed to his family's shop in the vibrant Namdaemun market during Korea's fight for independence from Japanese rule. Although he initially pursued a philosophy degree at Seoul National University, he eventually followed his passion for acting, inspired by the legendary Laurence Olivier’s rendition of Hamlet.

Over his remarkable career, Lee featured in about 140 television shows and continued performing on stage until late 2024. His final appearance was in Waiting for Godot, although he had to leave midway due to health issues. He later accepted his award that year in public, displaying his unwavering commitment to his craft up until the end.

In addition to acting, Lee had a brief political career, serving as a member of South Korea’s parliament in 1992 with the conservative Democratic Liberal Party but opted not to pursue re-election after one term.

Lee Soon-jae’s impact is profound. He remains a cherished icon across generations, from older viewers who watched his shows to younger fans engaging with his work through platforms like TikTok. His imprint on Korean entertainment and culture, particularly as Korean media enjoys global acclaim, is monumental.

Actor Yoo Yeon-seok, who learned under Lee, referred to him as a prime embodiment of remarkable acting. His High Kick! co-star Jeong Bo-seok expressed profound gratitude, dubbing Lee a “true mentor in life,” sharing invaluable insights both in acting and personal growth.

Lee Soon-jae leaves behind an extraordinary legacy of creativity, compassion, and inspiration, set to continue influencing South Korean culture for generations to come.