On November 25, a memorial altar was set up at Room 30 on the 3rd floor of Seoul Asan Medical Center in Pungnap-dong, Songpa District. Lee Soon-jae’s wife, Choi Hee-jung, and their children are receiving mourners at the site.
Following the announcement, a steady stream of mourners visited the funeral hall from the early hours. The venue quickly filled with floral tributes, and the late actor’s family welcomed visitors in profound sorrow. Figures from entertainment, culture, and politics came together to honor the legendary actor who shaped generations of Korean performing arts.
Floral arrangements were sent by veteran actors such as Choi Bool-am, Na Moon-hee, and Im Ha-ryong, alongside messages from junior stars including Ha Jung-woo, Ahn Jae-wook, Shin Min-ah, and Kim Woo-bin. Notable figures from the music and broadcasting world, like singer Jin Sung and producer Shin Won-ho, also extended their condolences.
Particularly moving were the tributes from Kim Yong-gun, who had traveled with Lee on the popular tvN variety show Grandpas Over Flowers, and Park Hae-mi, who starred alongside him in MBC’s sitcom High Kick!. These connections added an emotional layer to the public mourning.
Singer-actor Lee Seung-gi, who visited the funeral hall, recalled a heartfelt memory from his last visit to the late actor’s hospital room with his wife, actress Lee Da-in. He shared, “Despite his weakened condition, he walked us all the way to the elevator. That moment is still vivid in my mind.”
Lee Seung-gi, who had Lee Soon-jae as the officiant at his wedding, said, “Just hearing his name warms my heart. I truly hope he rests in a more peaceful place now.”
Actor Jang Yong, who spent over 55 years working closely with the late actor, appeared visibly devastated. Remembering him as a father-like and brother-like figure, he recalled the senior actor’s unwavering passion: “He always said that collapsing on stage would be his greatest happiness.” Jang added that Lee Soon-jae’s dedication had become a lifelong example for younger actors.
Actor Kim Seong-hwan also honored him as “the greatest elder in our entertainment industry,” praising his honesty, fiery passion, and constant encouragement toward younger colleagues. Comedian Choi Byung-seo shared, “He was someone who gave more meaning than an entire book,” remembering the actor’s warm gestures and advice. Singer Lee Yong recalled working with him in A Mother’s Diary, saying the late actor felt “like a real father.”
Numerous celebrities — including Yoon Da-hoon, Kim Hak-cheol, Song Seung-heon, Julien Kang, Park Kyung-rim, and Choi Hyun-wook — arrived to pay their respects.
From the political sphere, Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon and former lawmaker Lee Jae-oh also attended, remembering Lee Soon-jae’s warmth, integrity, and influence beyond entertainment.
According to his family, Lee Soon-jae passed away in the early hours of November 25 at the age of 91.
Born in 1934 in Hoeryong, Lee Soon-jae graduated from Seoul National University with a degree in philosophy and debuted in 1956 with the play Beyond the Horizon. Over his prolific career spanning nearly 70 years, he appeared in over 140 dramas and films, including Hur Jun, The Merchant, Lee San, Wind of the Palace, High Kick!, High Kick Through the Roof, and most recently Dog Knows Everything, earning the admiration of generations.
Recognized as the oldest active actor in Korea, Lee Soon-jae left the stage in October 2024 due to health concerns. Yet earlier this year, he made history as the oldest recipient of the Grand Prize at the KBS Drama Awards.
Beyond acting, Lee Soon-jae also served as a lawmaker in Korea’s 14th National Assembly under the Democratic Liberal Party, contributing briefly to the political landscape.
His funeral will be held on November 27 at 6:20 a.m., and he will be laid to rest at Eden Paradise in Icheon, Gyeonggi Province.
Sources: naver
You must be logged in to post a comment.