Choi Hyun‑wook Lee Soon‑jae tribute
Choi Hyun‑wook Lee Soon‑jae tribute

On November 25, actor Choi Hyun-wook made a solemn visit to the funeral hall at Seoul Asan Medical Center to pay his respects to the late acting legend Lee Soon-jae, who passed away earlier that day at the age of 91.

Despite never having met the late actor in person, Choi appeared at the memorial with deep sincerity, sharing with reporters, “I just wanted to see him once. I felt so heavy-hearted after hearing the news in the early morning.”

Choi Hyun-wook

Choi, known for his humility, expressed his admiration for Lee’s legacy:

“I’ve only ever seen him on stage in awards show clips. But even watching from afar, my heart ached… I hope he is truly happy wherever he is now.”

Lee Soon-jae, a towering figure in Korean performing arts, had an illustrious career spanning over six decades with more than 140 film and television credits to his name. From classic dramas like Huh Joon, Love Is All Around, and High Kick, to theatrical performances well into his late 80s, he remained active and passionate about acting until the very end.

Beyond acting, Lee also served in public office as a member of the 14th National Assembly, adding statesmanship to his impressive resume.

Since the announcement of his passing, condolences have poured in from all sectors. Celebrities such as Lee Seung-gi, veteran actor Jang Yong, and Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon have all visited the mourning site to honor the late icon.

Lee’s funeral service is scheduled for 6:20 AM on November 27, with the burial to take place at Eden Paradise in Icheon.

Sources: Daum