Post by : Rameen Ariff

Lee Soon-jae, a highly regarded and cherished figure in South Korean cinema, has died at age 91, as confirmed by his agency. His extensive career, spanning over seven decades, earned him the title of the "national TV dad" for his memorable portrayals of caring, wise older characters in various films, TV shows, and theater productions.

Lee's notable performances in popular series like the 1991 classic What on Earth is Love, where he played a strict father, and the beloved sitcom High Kick! from 2006 to 2012, as a quirky grandfather, made him a household name across South Korea and beyond.

The announcement of his passing prompted a flood of tributes from the entertainment industry and government figures alike. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung honored Lee Soon-jae by stating on social media, "He provided us with laughter, emotions, comfort, and strength through theatre, film, and television." Numerous K-pop stars and younger actors shared their heartfelt condolences, celebrating Lee's generosity and genuine nature both on and off-screen.

Notably active until recently, Lee made headlines in 2023 when he won the grand prize at the KBS Drama Awards for his leading role in the comedy Dog Knows Everything, making him the oldest actor in South Korea to achieve this honor. His enthusiasm and vitality were admired by many. In the travel show Grandpas Over Flowers, he famously said, "You become old when you sit down and expect to be waited on," encouraging seniors to maintain their vigor and social involvement.

Born in 1934 in Hoeryeong, now in North Korea, Lee relocated with his family to Seoul at a young age. He assisted in his grandparents' shop in the vibrant Namdaemun market during Korea's critical transition to independence from Japanese rule. After studying philosophy at Seoul National University, Lee pursued acting, inspired by the legendary performance of Laurence Olivier in Hamlet.

Throughout his remarkable career, Lee featured in approximately 140 television series and remained active in theater until late 2024. His final stage performance was in Waiting for Godot, which he left prematurely due to health issues. He later made a public appearance to accept his award, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to his art.

Lee also ventured into politics, joining South Korea's parliament in 1992 as a member of the conservative Democratic Liberal Party, opting not to run for re-election after serving a single term.

The legacy of Lee Soon-jae is profound. He captured the hearts of audiences of all generations, from older viewers who grew up watching him to younger fans discovering his work via social media platforms like TikTok. His impact on Korean entertainment, particularly during a time when Korean culture is gaining global acclaim, is immeasurable.

Actor Yoo Yeon-seok, one of his students, referred to Lee as a true epitome of acting excellence. Co-star Jeong Bo-seok from High Kick! regarded Lee as a “true mentor in my life,” expressing heartfelt gratitude for the invaluable lessons he learned from Lee about acting and life.

Lee Soon-jae leaves behind an immense legacy of talent, compassion, and inspiration that will continue to shape South Korean culture for many years.

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