Actor Jung Il-woo was visibly overcome with emotion during the memorial and interview for the late national actor Lee Soon-jae, unable to hold back his tears. His grief struck everyone present, revealing the deep bond between mentor and protégé.
The funeral and farewell ceremony for Lee Soon-jae took place in the early hours of November 27 at Seoul Asan Hospital, attended by numerous figures from the Korean acting industry, including Jung Bo-suk, Kim Young-chul, Ha Ji-won, Jeong Dong-hwan, Yoo Dong-geun, and Choi Soo-jong.
Jung Il-woo, who debuted as Lee Soon-jae’s grandson in “High Kick Through the Roof” (2006–2007), maintained a close relationship with the late actor off-screen. At the ceremony, he could not contain his grief while looking at the actor’s portrait, breaking down in front of attendees as if he were saying goodbye to his own grandfather.
Earlier on social media, Jung Il-woo wrote, “It was an honor to take my first steps with you, sir… I love you, Grandpa,” reflecting the raw shock and sorrow he felt at the sudden loss.
The MBC documentary also showcased moments from Jung Il-woo’s early career, including scenes of Lee Soon-jae quietly watching Jung Il-woo perform in theater and encouraging him to grow as an actor. Jung Il-woo recalled, “He always came to watch my performances and told me to keep growing through theater. I wish I could ask him now… but he’s no longer here.”
When asked about the words that left the deepest impression, Jung Il-woo cited his mentor’s advice: “Don’t be conceited. Always be like a blank sheet of paper as an actor.” When prompted if there was anything left unsaid, Jung Il-woo lowered his head and ultimately broke down, admitting, “I think I said ‘thank you’ too many times. I never got to say ‘I love you’… and I never could.”
Even in front of the camera, Jung Il-woo was unable to continue speaking, sharing only, “He laid all the foundations for Jung Il-woo to be able to work as an actor,” vowing to carry his mentor’s teachings throughout his life.
Lee Soon-jae passed away on November 25 at the age of 91. He was posthumously awarded the Geumgwan (Gold Crown) Cultural Medal, and his funeral procession, attended by family, disciples, and countless junior actors, proceeded to Icheon Eden Park.
The documentary also revealed the touching moment from May, when disciples visited Lee Soon-jae on Teacher’s Day with cake and song. The actor quietly smiled in gratitude, a memory made even more poignant as those same disciples carried their mentor’s casket six months later on his final journey.
Sources: 네이트 뉴스
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