Actor Ha Ji-won became emotional while delivering a eulogy at the funeral of her “lifelong mentor,” the late legendary actor Lee Soon-jae, on November 27. She tearfully referred to herself as “your fan club president” while honoring his memory.
The funeral was held at Seoul Asan Hospital in Songpa-gu at 5:30 a.m., attended by countless mourners. Fellow actors including Kim Young-chul and Jung Bo-suk paid their final respects, with the atmosphere heavy with grief and silent reflection.
Actor Kim Young-chul shared, “If this were a drama scene, I wish he could hear ‘OK, cut’ and stand up again.” He added, “His gaze always guided me. I will miss him dearly,” wiping away tears.
Ha Ji-won recalled her experiences with Lee Soon-jae, describing him as “a humble artist and a representative actor of Korea.” She also mentioned his comforting words during her struggles: “Kid, I’m having a hard time too.” She concluded her speech, choking back tears, “I love you. I’m your forever fan club president.”
The funeral service was hosted by actor Jung Bo-suk, who worked with Lee Soon-jae on the sitcom High Kick Through the Roof. He praised Lee Soon-jae’s extraordinary influence on actors of all generations.
Attendees included former Culture Minister Yoo In-chon, and actors Jung Dong-hwan, Jung Jun-ha, Yoo Dong-geun, Kim Na-woon, Park Sang-min, Jung Jun-ho, and Jung Il-woo, along with many theater and arts protégés. The venue was decorated with 91 chrysanthemums, symbolizing Lee Soon-jae’s age, and the funeral procession proceeded to Eden Nakwons Cemetery in Icheon without stopping at KBS memorial spaces.
Born in 1934 in Hoeryong, Hamgyeongbuk-do, Lee Soon-jae debuted in 1956 with the play Beyond the Horizon and maintained an active career spanning nearly 70 years across theater, film, television, and variety shows. His iconic works include MBC dramas What is Love, Hur Jun, the High Kick sitcom series, and the stage play King Lear. Last year, he became the oldest recipient of the KBS Drama Awards, expressing his gratitude with the words, “I owe so much in my lifetime.”
In recognition of his contributions, the Korean government posthumously awarded him the Geumgwan Order of Cultural Merit on the day of his passing, November 25.
Sources: Daum
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