Lee Soon-jae, a veteran South Korean actor, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 91, his agency confirmed. His career spanned over seven decades in film, television, and theatre.
Career Highlights
Lee was recognized for his roles depicting older male characters, frequently appearing as a father figure. Notable television performances included a paternal role in the 1991 series "What on Earth is Love" and a grandfather role in the sitcom "High Kick!", which aired from 2006 to 2012.
He continued acting until 2023, when he received the grand prize at the KBS Drama Awards for his lead role in the comedy series "Dog Knows Everything." This made him the oldest South Korean actor to receive such an honor. During an appearance on the travel program "Grandpas over Flowers" in 2013, Lee stated, "You become old when you sit down and expect to be waited on." The program, which featured senior actors on international journeys, gained significant cultural attention.
Lee appeared in approximately 140 television productions throughout his career. He continued stage acting until October 2024, when he withdrew from the play "Waiting for Godot" due to an illness. He subsequently appeared publicly at an awards ceremony in December 2024.
Early Life and Education
Born in 1934 in Hoeryeong, a region now part of North Korea, Lee moved to Seoul with his family at the age of four. He was present in Namdaemun market, working in his grandparents' shop, during Korea's liberation from Japanese rule in 1945.
He pursued philosophy at Seoul National University before transitioning to theatre, television, and film acting. Lee cited Sir Laurence Olivier's performance in "Hamlet" as an inspiration for his acting career.
Political Involvement
Lee also held a brief political position. In 1992, he was elected as a member of parliament representing the conservative Democratic Liberal Party. He did not seek re-election following the conclusion of his four-year term.