Veteran Actor Lee Soon-jae Dies at 91
Seoul, South Korea – Lee Soon-jae, a celebrated South Korean actor whose career spanned decades and captivated audiences with his versatile performances, has died at the age of 91. News of his passing prompted an outpouring of grief and tributes from across the nation, including from President Lee Jae-myung.
Lee Soon-jae’s death marks the end of an era in Korean entertainment. A prolific actor known for both dramatic roles and comedic timing, he left an indelible mark on the country’s cultural landscape. His passing is deeply felt by colleagues, fans, and the nation as a whole, prompting reflection on his notable contributions to Korean film and television.
President Lee Jae-myung honored the actor on facebook, stating, “The teacher devoted his entire life to acting and raised the quality of Korean culture and arts,” and adding, “I pray for the soul of Lee Soon-jae, a big star in the Korean culture and arts world.”
Lee Soon-jae gained widespread recognition for his roles in numerous television dramas and films,including his memorable appearance in the popular series ‘Grandpas Over Flowers’ beginning in 2013,where he earned the nickname ‘straight Forward Sun-jae’ for his candid personality. Producer Na Young-seok,director of ‘Grandpas Over Flowers,’ expressed his condolences at a production presentation for ‘Three Meals in Kenya,’ recalling Lee Soon-jae’s dedication to his craft. “Even in private, the words the teacher most often said was, ’I want to be on stage until the end,'” Na Young-seok shared. “through those words, he conveyed the value of working consistently and faithfully and served as an example to many younger students. Now, I pray that he can rest in peace in heaven, both physically and mentally.”
Actor Jeong Bo-seok, who co-starred with Lee Soon-jae in the sitcom ‘High Kick Through the Roof,’ also shared his grief on Instagram, expressing gratitude for the lessons he learned from the veteran actor regarding acting, life, and professional conduct.
