Lee Soon-jae, one of South Korea's most cherished and prolific actors whose remarkable seven-decade career spanned theater, television, and film, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 91, according to his family. The veteran performer, who remained active in his craft until late last year, left behind an extraordinary legacy that touched multiple generations of audiences through his diverse roles in dramas, sitcoms, and period pieces.
Born in 1934 in Hoeryong, located in what is now North Korea, Lee moved to Seoul at the tender age of four, just before the Korean War erupted from 1950 to 1953. His journey into acting began during his university years at Seoul National University, where he made his theatrical debut in 1956 with the play "Beyond the Horizon." This early start would mark the beginning of an unprecedented career that would establish him as one of Korea's most enduring entertainment figures.
Lee's breakthrough into mainstream recognition came with his powerful portrayal of an authoritarian and stern father in MBC's 1991 hit drama "What on Earth is Love." This role not only cemented his reputation as a formidable dramatic actor but also catapulted him to such fame that he briefly entered the political arena. In 1992, riding on his popularity, he was elected as a lawmaker representing the then-ruling Democratic Liberal Party, demonstrating the remarkable crossover appeal he had cultivated.
Even while serving his term in the National Assembly, Lee's passion for acting never waned, as he continued to appear in numerous television series. After retiring from politics in 1996, he returned to his first love with renewed vigor and unwavering dedication, appearing in an impressive spectrum of productions ranging from historical period pieces to contemporary comedies. His versatility and commitment to his craft became hallmarks of his extended career.
A significant career renaissance occurred in 2006 when Lee took on a completely different type of role as an eccentric yet unassuming traditional Korean medicine clinic doctor in MBC's wildly popular sitcom "High Kick!" This performance, followed by his appearance in "High Kick Through the Roof" in 2009, represented a dramatic departure from the firm and strict patriarchal image he had previously cultivated. The comedic roles allowed him to showcase his range while building a more approachable and endearing image with younger audiences who formed the show's primary viewership.
Another remarkable career resurgence came in 2013 when Lee joined the cast of tvN's travel reality series "Grandpas Over Flowers." Across five seasons spanning from 2013 to 2018, the veteran actor displayed an extraordinary vitality and enthusiasm that defied his advanced age. His characteristically brisk walking pace during the show's various international adventures earned him the affectionate nickname "Straight-ahead Soon-jae" among fans, further endearing him to viewers who marveled at his energy and zest for life.
Lee's deepest passion remained rooted in theater, where he continued to challenge himself well into his golden years. In a testament to his dedication and artistic vigor, he drew thunderous applause from audiences in 2021 at the remarkable age of 87 by taking on the demanding title role in Shakespeare's "King Lear," performing the complex character for over three hours each night. This performance stood as a powerful demonstration of his enduring commitment to the theatrical arts that had launched his career decades earlier.
However, health concerns eventually forced Lee to step back from his beloved profession. In October of last year, he was compelled to withdraw from scheduled roles due to declining health, marking the end of his active performing career. Despite these challenges, his contributions to Korean entertainment were recognized when he became the oldest recipient ever to receive an award at the KBS Drama Awards in 2024, a fitting tribute to his lifetime of achievement.
In a 2016 interview with Yonhap News Agency, Lee eloquently expressed his philosophy about his chosen profession, stating, "Acting, as an artistic act of creation, has no endpoint in one's lifetime, nor is it ever fully complete." This profound observation captured the essence of his approach to his craft and explained his continued dedication to performing well into his later years. His words reflected the mindset of an artist who viewed acting not merely as a career but as a lifelong journey of creative exploration and personal expression.
