Actor Lee Soon-jae, loved by all ages, dies at 91

Actor Lee Soon-jae performs a scene from the play "King Lear" during a rehearsal for journalists in 2003. Yonhap

Beloved veteran actor Lee Soon-jae, who remained active on stage and screen until his final days, died on Tuesday. He was 91.

According to his family, Lee died early Tuesday morning. The actor had been battling health issues since late last year, which forced him to step down from a theater production to focus on recovery.

Despite hopes for a return expressed by his agency in August, his health continued to deteriorate, ultimately bringing an end to an extraordinary career that spanned seven decades.

Born in Hoeryong, North Hamgyong Province, now in North Korea, in November 1934, Lee moved to Seoul at the age of 4. He graduated from the prestigious Seoul National University with a degree in philosophy, but found his passion in acting, making his stage debut in 1956 with the play "Beyond the Horizon" during his college years.

Having started his career with HLKZ-TV, Korea’s first television station, Lee was selected as part of KBS’ first class of actor recruits in 1960. He was a living history of Korean broadcasting. Throughout his 70-year career, he transcended genres, moving fluidly between theater, film and television dramas.

Lee Soon-jae, hoisted by a supporter and raising his arms in victory, a candidate for the then-ruling Democratic Liberal Party, is congratulated after being elected to the 14th National Assembly in this 1992 file photo. Yonhap

From dignified patriarch to comedic icon

For much of his early career, Lee was known for his authoritative and intellectual roles. He won the Best Actor award at the Buil Film Awards for "Bun-Rye's Story" (1971) and became renowned through his roles in historical dramas such as "The Legendary Doctor Hur Jun" (1999), "The Merchant" (2001) and "Lee San, Wind of the Palace" (2007).

He became a household name through the phenomenal success of the weekend drama "What on Earth is Love" (1991). The drama recorded an all-time high viewership rating of 65 percent, with Lee playing a strict and traditional father. He continued this image in popular series like "Men of the Bath House" (1995-96).

However, what made Lee truly unique was his refusal to stick only to traditional and serious roles. In his 70s, he tried a radical transformation that won over the younger generation.

In the hit sitcom "High Kick!" (2006-07) and its sequel "High Kick through the Roof" (2009-10), Lee shed his heavy image to play a comical grandfather. He earned the nickname "Yadong Soon-jae" (Porn Soon-jae) for a famous scene where his character is caught watching adult videos. Proving that he was unafraid to ruin his dignified image for comedy, he became a pop culture icon adored by teenagers and young adults.

His popularity with the youth expanded further with the travel reality show "Grandpas over Flowers" (2013), produced by Nah Young-seok. Viewers were charmed by Lee who always walked energetically ahead of the group and spoke English and Japanese fluently.

Lee Soon-jae, left, carrying a baby on his back, is seen in a scene from the 2007 sitcom "High Kick!" Korea Times file

Spirit of never-ending challenge

Lee’s career also included a brief stint in politics. He served as a lawmaker in the 14th National Assembly from 1992 to 1996. However, his true home was always the stage.

Even in his 80s and 90s, Lee continued to challenge himself. In Korea's Daehangno theater scene, he starred in plays like "The Student and Mr. Henri" alongside young actors.

His passion burned brightly until the very end. Last year, he starred in the KBS TV drama "Dog Knows Everything," a performance that won him the Grand Prize at the 2024 KBS Drama Awards. It was the first time in his 70-year career that he won the grand prize as a sole recipient.

"I’ve lived long enough to see a day like this," Lee said in his acceptance speech last December. "I always prepared myself, thinking "an opportunity will come someday,' and today I received this beautiful and precious award."

Lee was set to perform in the play "Waiting for Waiting for Godot" late last year but had to step down due to his deteriorating health.

Actor Lee Soon-jae delivers his acceptance speech after winning the Grand Prize at the 2024 KBS Drama Awards, Dec. 31, 2024. He was the oldest person to win the honor. Captured from KBS YouTube

Condolences pour in

President Lee Jae Myung expressed deep condolences Tuesday, calling the actor a "great star" of Korean arts, noting how he gave "laughter, emotion, comfort and courage" to all people.

"For him, acting was a channel for sharing the stories of our lives with the world and conveying the essence of the human experience," President Lee wrote.

"His philosophy of acting, his professional integrity and his dignity as a true elder served as a model for countless junior actors and left a strong impression on all of us. The works and legacy he leaves behind will remain a treasured cultural heritage of Korea.”

In recognition of his significant contribution to the arts and culture, the government posthumously awarded the late actor the Geumgwan Order of Cultural Merit, the highest cultural honor.

Culture, Sports and Tourism said Minister Chae Hwi-young presented the medal to the actor’s bereaved family on behalf of the government.

“He was loved by all ages, appearing in over 140 works, including dramas, plays and variety shows. He showed sincerity in his acting and humanistic approach to the public,” the ministry said.

"Furthermore, he was also a cultural leader who fulfilled his social responsibilities, nurturing young artists and participating in parliamentary activities.”

Colleagues and junior actors alike shared their grief, remembering him as a towering figure whose passion and generosity left a lasting mark.

Veteran actress Park Jeong-ja, 83, remembered Lee's unwavering dedication to acting.

“He was someone who poured his entire body and heart into every role, in any circumstance, giving everything he could express. I believe he accomplished it all,” Park said. She performed opposite Lee in the 2023 play "Salut D'Amour."

Bae Jung-nam, who co-starred with the late actor in the KBS comedy series "Dogs Know Everything" in 2024, shared his condolences on Instagram. "Rest in Peace, Sir," he wrote. "It was the greatest honor of my life for me to work with you in the drama."

Taeyeon of Girls’ Generation also posted a photo with Lee and fellow member Yuri, who acted with him in the 2019 play "The Student and Mister Henri."