Actor Yoon Shi-yoon paid tribute to the late Lee Soon-jae with a heartfelt letter, recalling the profound impact the veteran actor had on his career. Yoon Shi-yoon, who debuted in 2009 through MBC’s High Kick Through the Roof, remembered his first day on set, arriving early to rehearse, only to find Lee Soon-jae already there, diligently practicing alone.
“In that empty rehearsal room, I saw a giant in Korean acting, sitting alone, rehearsing with utmost dedication. His warm smile and guidance that day are memories I will never forget,” Yoon Shi-yoon wrote. He reflected on Lee Soon-jae’s tireless commitment to his craft, even amid grueling schedules and failing health, noting how Lee Soon-jae emphasized the fundamentals of acting and led by example.
Yoon Shi-yoon pledged in his letter to carry on the spirit Lee Soon-jae embodied: “I will now protect that empty rehearsal room, continuing the dedication to my craft that he taught me.”
The funeral on November 27 at Seoul Asan Hospital included a memorial video and heartfelt tributes from numerous actors who had worked with Lee Soon-jae. Born in 1934 in Hoeryong, Hamgyeong Province, Lee Soon-jae began his career in 1956 with the play Beyond the Horizon and appeared in over 140 works throughout his life, leaving an enduring legacy in Korean theater, film, and television.
Yoon Shi-yoon’s reflection underscores the lasting influence Lee Soon-jae had on generations of actors, marking him as a mentor whose lessons in humility, discipline, and dedication will resonate for years to come.
Sources: Naver
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