Following the passing of veteran actor Lee Soon-jae at the age of 91 on November 25, a memorial altar was set up at Seoul Asan Medical Center in Songpa-gu. From the early morning hours, a stream of mourners began arriving to pay their respects. Among them, Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon was the first to visit the memorial, expressing his deep sorrow and admiration for the late actor.

Mayor Oh arrived at the funeral hall shortly after the memorial space was established, becoming the first official mourner recorded at the site.

Following his visit, Oh shared his condolences via social media, stating, “My heart is heavy as we say goodbye to a ‘universal actor’ who bridged generations.” He recalled, “He once said his wish was to collapse on stage. With unwavering passion, he lived the true life of an actor.” Oh also mentioned Lee’s heartfelt words when receiving the Grand Prize last year at a record-setting age, where he humbly credited the audience for his success, saying, “I owe everything to the viewers.”

He continued, “Although the cultural and arts world has lost a strong pillar, the late actor’s sincerity, humility, and burning passion will continue to guide younger generations.” Mayor Oh concluded his tribute by saying, “Remembering his firm yet warm performances, I sincerely hope he rests in peace.”

Lee Soon-jae passed away in the early hours of November 25, leaving behind a monumental legacy in Korean entertainment. With a career spanning nearly 70 years, he appeared in over 140 productions, including beloved dramas like “High Kick!” and “What is Love”, earning him the title of a living legend in Korean broadcast history.

In recognition of his lifelong contributions to the arts, Lee was awarded the Eungwan Order of Cultural Merit in 2018.

His funeral procession will be held on November 27 at 6:20 AM, marking the final farewell to one of Korea’s most respected and enduring actors.

Sources: naver