Lee Soon-jae, one of South Korea's most cherished and accomplished actors whose remarkable career spanned nearly seven decades across theater, television dramas, and films, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 91, according to his family. The veteran performer, who remained actively involved in his craft until late last year, was celebrated across multiple generations for his diverse roles in dramas, sitcoms, and historical productions.
Born in 1934 in Hoeryong, located in what is now North Korea, Lee relocated to Seoul with his family when he was just four years old, before the outbreak of the Korean War from 1950 to 1953. His journey into acting began during his university years at Seoul National University, where he made his theatrical debut in the play "Beyond the Horizon" in 1956, marking the beginning of what would become an extraordinary career in entertainment.
Throughout his prolific career, Lee appeared in an impressive 140 television dramas, establishing himself as a household name in South Korean entertainment. One of his most notable early successes was the hit series "What on Earth is Love," which aired from 1991 to 1992 and achieved an remarkable viewership rating of 65 percent, demonstrating his broad appeal to Korean audiences.
Even well into his seventies, Lee continued to captivate television viewers and gained popularity among younger generations through his memorable performances in the beloved sitcoms "High Kick!" in 2006 and "High Kick Through the Roof" in 2009. These roles showcased his versatility and ability to connect with audiences across different age groups, proving that his talent transcended generational boundaries.
Lee's later career demonstrated his enduring passion for performance and willingness to take on new challenges. In 2013, he appeared in the popular reality show "Grandpas Over Flowers," which further endeared him to fans. Remarkably, he continued acting well into his eighties, taking on the demanding title role in William Shakespeare's "King Lear" in 2021, showcasing his theatrical prowess even in his advanced years.
However, health concerns eventually forced Lee to step back from his acting commitments in October of last year, when he had to withdraw from scheduled roles due to medical issues. Despite these challenges, he achieved a significant milestone by becoming the oldest recipient to receive an award at the KBS Drama Awards in 2024, a testament to his lasting impact on the industry.
Beyond his entertainment career, Lee also briefly ventured into politics, successfully winning election as a lawmaker in 1992 as a member of the then-ruling Democratic Liberal Party, demonstrating his diverse interests and commitment to public service alongside his artistic endeavors.
