His long-awaited Daesang (Grand Prize) came after 70 years of acting—and it became the last memory he left with the public. Lee Soon-jae, beloved as the “national actor” and Korea’s oldest active performer, passed away in the early morning of November 25. He was 90.
According to his family, Lee passed away early this morning. A funeral has yet to be arranged.
Born in 1934 in Hoeryong, North Hamgyong Province, Lee graduated from Seoul High School and majored in philosophy at Seoul National University. He debuted in 1956 through the play Beyond the Horizon and began his full-fledged acting career in 1960 as a first-generation KBS recruited actor.
Lee was active across numerous formats—stage plays, films, dramas, sitcoms, and even variety shows like tvN’s Grandpas Over Flowers. He earned the affectionate title of “national grandfather,” becoming an icon across generations. Even as he approached 90, he was actively working, earning recognition as Korea’s oldest working actor. At 89, he continued to take on new challenges, starring in the KBS2 sitcom Nonsense (개소리) and the play Waiting for Godot While Waiting, refusing to limit himself by genre. He remained exceptionally active until his health began to decline last October.
Fittingly, Lee received the 2024 KBS Drama Awards Grand Prize, marking the pinnacle of his 70-year acting career. The award ceremony, pre-recorded on December 31, 2024, and aired on January 11, 2025, became his final public appearance.
Despite being in recovery due to health issues at the time, Lee attended the ceremony, expressing his unwavering dedication to the craft. Holding the microphone with a frail face, he tearfully said, “Living this long, I get to see days like this.”
Lee continued, “This is a beautiful and precious award. In the past, the Grand Prize often went to those portraying historical figures. But even after 60, if you act well, you deserve the award. This isn’t a lifetime achievement award. Acting should be judged as acting—not by popularity or other criteria. That’s what the Oscars are all about.”
He humbly added, “This award isn’t just mine. As you know, the sitcom Nonsense featured many dogs. Everyone played a part and gave their best. We filmed the drama traveling to and from Geoje Island more than 20 times. Thanks to ‘Great KBS,’ the sound of ‘Nonsense’ was heard nationwide. I thank the company president.”
Most touchingly, he concluded with, “To the viewers, I’ve been in your debt and received your help all my life. Thank you.” With these heartfelt final words, Lee Soon-jae became an eternal star in the hearts of the public.
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