(C) KbizoOm
The news of the passing of veteran actor Lee Soon-jae on November 25, 2025, at the age of 91, has sent a wave of shock and profound sadness across South Korea. Widely regarded as a "National Actor," Lee's death marks the end of an extraordinary career that spanned over six decades, leaving an indelible mark on the nation's cultural landscape. Tributes immediately poured in from the highest office, the entertainment industry, and the public, all remembering a figure synonymous with dedication, passion, and the history of Korean performance arts.
A Life Defined by Unwavering Dedication
Born in 1934, Lee Soon-jae was one of the first generation of actors to emerge after the Korean War. He began his career in the mid-1950s, graduating from Seoul National University's Department of Philosophy before pivoting to the burgeoning field of acting. This academic background often informed his meticulous approach to his roles.
Lee was celebrated for his versatility, mastering every medium from theater—his foundational love—to film and television. He played countless roles, evolving from the earnest, serious young lead to the formidable, yet often humorous, patriarch who became his signature persona in later years. His filmography includes classics and blockbusters, but it was often his work on the small screen that endeared him to multiple generations of Koreans.
His roles in iconic dramas like Love and Ambition (1987) and especially the sitcom High Kick Through The Roof (2006-2007), where his character's distinctive "Ya-dong Soon-jae" (Porn-watching Soon-jae) alter-ego brought unexpected, generational humor, solidified his status as a national treasure.
Even in his late 80s, Lee's commitment to his craft remained absolute. He continued to take on demanding roles, including his final drama appearance in Dog Sound (2024), and regularly returned to the stage, notably with the play Waiting for Godot in the same year. This relentless pursuit of performance until the very end earned him the title of an 'ever-active' actor.
Tributes from the Highest Office and the Industry
The public outpouring of grief began immediately upon the confirmation of his death in the early hours of Monday morning.
President Lee Jae-myung was among the first to offer his official condolences via a post on his Facebook page. "We mourn the great star of South Korean culture and arts, Teacher Lee Soon-jae," the President wrote. "He gave us laughter, emotion, comfort, and courage across the stages of theater, film, and broadcasting. The works and messages he leaves behind will be passed on as precious cultural heritage of the Republic of Korea. His expressions and voice remain vivid. Rest in peace, sir."
The entertainment community, where Lee was universally revered as a mentor and moral compass, shared deeply personal tributes.
Baek Il-seob, a fellow veteran actor and co-star in the highly successful reality show Grandpas Over Flowers (Kkonboda Halbae), expressed his deep connection, noting they were "very close." He recalled trying to call Lee a month prior but getting no answer, stating he had assumed Lee was simply resting due to his typically robust health.
Kim Yong-gun, who worked with Lee on his final drama, Dog Sound, conveyed his devastation. "This is a truly heartbreaking piece of news," he told a media outlet. "He will be the actor whom juniors will never forget. I believe he will be remembered for a long, long time."
Jeong Bo-seok, who played Lee’s son in the legendary sitcom High Kick Through The Roof, shared an emotional tribute on Instagram. "Thank you so much, Teacher. I learned and felt so much from your acting, your life, and your attitude as an actor," he wrote. "Your every step was the beginning and the history of our broadcast acting. I pray you find peace and joy wherever you go."
Han Sang-jin, who acted alongside Lee in historical dramas Yi San and The King's Doctor, recalled Lee's detailed mentorship. "During the times I struggled with acting on Yi San and The King's Doctor, you marked the long and short vowel sounds on my script, telling me, 'An actor must pronounce sounds accurately.' It was a great honor to work with you as a king and a subject. I will never forget your teachings."
The news also reached the public via radio broadcasts, with personalities like Kim Young-chul and Tei dedicating moments on their morning shows to commemorate his life and legacy. Tei, upon hearing the news from a listener, shared a sentiment felt by many: "He said he would stand on stage or in front of the camera until the end of his life. I thought he would continue to be active until he was 100. We will never forget your lifetime of challenge and passion."
The Legacy: A Master of the Art
Lee Soon-jae's death is not just the loss of an actor, but the loss of a living bridge connecting the Golden Age of Korean cinema and theater to the modern Hallyu era. His influence extended beyond the screen. He was also a respected professor, passing his rigorous acting philosophy and work ethic down to generations of students, many of whom are now leading figures in the industry.
His dedication to vocal precision and script analysis, as recalled by Han Sang-jin, highlights his commitment to the fundamentals of acting. He was famously known for never missing a line, even deep into his eighties, a testament to his professionalism.
Lee Soon-jae’s career was a mirror to South Korea’s cultural and social evolution. From early postwar introspection to the rise of mass media and the global spread of K-culture, he was a constant, stabilizing presence. While the curtain has fallen on his life, the vast body of work he leaves behind—characterized by dignity, fire, and a unique, unforgettable charm—will ensure that the "National Actor" remains a permanent fixture in the collective memory of the Korean people.
His funeral proceedings are expected to draw an unprecedented gathering of the country's cultural and political elite, united in honoring a man whose presence enriched the nation for so long. Lee Soon-jae’s legacy is not merely a collection of performances, but a definitive chapter in the history of Korean artistic excellence. He truly is an actor the world, and especially Korea, will never forget.
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