President Lee Jae-myung paid tribute to the late veteran actor Lee Soon-jae on Tuesday, expressing profound condolences over the death of the 91-year-old performer who had become a cherished figure across multiple generations of Korean audiences. The president praised Lee Soon-jae as a "great star" of Korea's entertainment industry, acknowledging his immense contribution to the nation's cultural landscape.
In a heartfelt message posted on his official Facebook account, President Lee emphasized the lasting impact of the veteran actor's career. "We will long remember him as an actor beloved by all generations and as a true national actor," the president wrote, reflecting the widespread admiration that Lee Soon-jae had earned throughout his remarkable seven-decade career in the entertainment industry.
Lee Soon-jae remained professionally active well into his later years, continuing his acting work until late last year when health concerns forced him to step back from the spotlight. Throughout his extensive career, he gained recognition and respect from audiences of all ages for his versatile performances across various genres, including television dramas, comedy sitcoms, and historical period pieces that showcased his remarkable range as a performer.
The president further honored Lee Soon-jae's legacy by highlighting his dedication to the craft of acting and his significant role in elevating Korean arts and culture on both domestic and international stages. "Lee devoted his life to acting and elevated the stature of Korean arts and culture, moving seamlessly between theater, film and television to bring us laughter, emotion, comfort and courage," President Lee stated, emphasizing the actor's versatility and emotional impact on audiences.
Born in 1934 in Hoeryong, which is located in present-day North Korea, Lee Soon-jae's life story reflects the tumultuous history of the Korean Peninsula. At the young age of four, he relocated with his family to Seoul before the outbreak of the Korean War from 1950 to 1953. This early experience of displacement and adaptation would later inform his deep understanding of human emotion, which became evident in his compelling performances throughout his career.
Lee Soon-jae officially began his professional acting journey in 1956, launching what would become one of the most enduring and respected careers in Korean entertainment history. His commitment to the arts extended beyond acting, as he also briefly entered the political arena, successfully winning election as a lawmaker in 1992 as a member of the then-ruling Democratic Liberal Party, demonstrating his engagement with broader social and political issues affecting Korean society.
The veteran actor's final period of active work continued until October of last year, when declining health conditions ultimately forced him to withdraw from scheduled roles and retire from his beloved profession. His decision to step away from acting marked the end of an era for Korean entertainment, leaving behind a legacy that spans nearly seven decades of memorable performances and cultural contributions.
