South Korea Mourns the Loss of an Acting Legend
The South Korean entertainment industry and fans worldwide are in mourning following the passing of veteran actor Lee Soon Jae. The esteemed actor, a foundational pillar of Korean cinema and television, died at the age of 91. He breathed his last in the early hours of November 25, surrounded by his close family and friends, as reported by The Korea Times.
A Storied Career Spanning Over Seven Decades
Born in 1934 in Hoeryong, North Hamgyong Province, Lee Soon Jae's journey to stardom began after his family moved to Seoul when he was just four years old. He was a graduate of the prestigious Seoul National University. His passion for acting was ignited in the 1960s after he was profoundly inspired by foreign films from Italy, France, and Britain that were newly circulating in the country.
A pivotal moment came when he witnessed Laurence Olivier’s performance in ‘Hamlet’. This inspiration led him to make his professional debut in the play 'Beyond the Horizon'. Lee Soon Jae is celebrated as one of the 'first generation' actors in South Korea, having entered the film and TV industry in the 1960s and remaining active for an incredible over 70 years.
An Iconic Filmography and Final Curtain Call
Lee Soon Jae's versatility and talent made him a beloved household name. He leaves behind an immense body of work that includes some of the most cherished productions in Korean entertainment. His notable works include:
- 'Unstoppable High Kick!'
- 'Good Morning President'
- 'Late Blossom'
- 'Grandpas Over Flowers'
- 'Dear My Friends'
- 'The Scholar Who Walks the Night'
Despite his advanced age, his dedication to his craft never wavered. He was last scheduled to appear on stage in the play 'Waiting for Godot' in 2024. Unfortunately, he had to cancel this performance after his health began to deteriorate.
Nation Pays Tribute to a Cultural Treasure
The news of his demise prompted an outpouring of grief and respect from across the nation and the entertainment community. Korean President Lee Jae Myung issued an official statement honouring the late actor.
President Myung called Lee Soon Jae a "great star of South Korea’s cultural and artistic community". In a statement shared on a popular social media channel, as per The Chosun Daily, the President said, "Your philosophy on acting, your attitude as an actor, and your character as a true elder have been an inspiration to countless juniors and left a profound impact on all of us. The works and messages you left behind will be passed down as South Korea's precious cultural heritage."
The legacy of Lee Soon Jae, built over a lifetime of memorable performances, will continue to inspire future generations and remains a treasured part of Korea's cultural history.
