“He was too early to go…” These words echoed across generations of visitors who came to pay their respects to Lee Soon-jae, the revered actor who passed away at the age of 91. Though many consoled themselves with the idea that he lived a full life, his funeral, held at Seoul Asan Medical Center, became a heart-wrenching gathering of colleagues, juniors, and fans each mourning the loss of Korea’s “national grandfather.”
His “Grandpas Over Flowers” co-stars, including Baek Il-seob, shared teary, affectionate farewells. Baek’s tearful lament “Hyung, why did you go so soon?” stood as a poignant reminder of their bond. Minister of Culture quietly awarded a posthumous medal, while actor Park Geun-hyung stayed late into the night, embodying grief not through wails, but silence.
Lee’s life, “more radiant than flowers,” left a legacy steeped in gratitude. His iconic phrase, “I owe you all my life,” is now returned to him by millions Thank you, Soon-jae. Rest in peace.
Min Hee Jin, in Court Again and Finally in Tears
Min Hee Jin, the embattled ex-ADOR CEO and self-proclaimed “NewJeans mom,” once again appeared in court over her legal dispute with HYBE. Despite HYBE bringing over ten lawyers, Min arrived with just two. She notably walked the opposite direction before entering the courtroom, perhaps to steel herself.
While calm throughout the five-hour questioning, her voice cracked when discussing her termination from ADOR. The press called it “sobbing,” but witnesses described it more as a silent, trembling grief. Her message, though unspoken, felt loud “I’ll leave. You live well.”
MAMA Awards Amid Mourning: Artists in Black, Hearts Heavy
The 2025 MAMA Awards should have been a K-pop spectacle. Instead, Hong Kong’s Kai Tak Stadium departure was eerily quiet, following a massive fire tragedy in the city. Top groups like Stray Kids, IVE, I-DLE, and BABYMONSTER wore all-black, their expressions solemn.
There were no heart signs, no waves, no smiles. Just brief nods as they moved quickly through the airport gates. Even journalists remarked that it felt more like attending a memorial than covering a music awards departure.
From Melodrama to Mischief: Kim Young-dae’s Adorkable Reality
Contrasting the grief, Kim Young-dae brought light to the week during his interview for Dear X, his drama portraying tortured lover Yoon Jun-seo. Off-screen, however, Kim is disarmingly goofy.
“I hope people only remember me by my characters,” he joked, adding, “Please forget Kim Young-dae exists.” He slipped back into his Extraordinary You character voice, drawing laughter. He even said, “If Ah-jin (Kim Yoo-jung) calls, I have to go!”, mimicking his drama role’s obsession.
When congratulating Shin Min-ah, his co-star from a previous drama, on her wedding, he grinned then immediately pouted, “Still haven’t gotten an invite, though.” Someone consoled, “Maybe it’s a mobile one,” and his eyes lit up like a child.
It’s hard not to adore him. As Yoon Jun-seo spirals into melodrama on screen, Kim Young-dae’s quirky charm keeps playing on repeat in our minds.
Sources: Daum
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