Veteran actor Lee Soon Jae has passed away at the age of 91, leaving behind a profound legacy cherished by the Korean entertainment industry. His family and agency confirmed that the actor passed away in the early hours of November 25.
Born in 1934, Lee Soon Jae graduated from the Department of Philosophy at Seoul National University. Widely regarded as one of Korea’s longest-active performers, he played a pivotal role in shaping the history of Korean broadcasting. Over the course of his prolific career, he appeared in more than 100 productions across television, film, and theater.
Some of his best-known works include I’ll Become a Man, Dongui Bogam, See and See Again, Three Kim Generation, Men of the Bath House, Rustic Period, Toji, the Land, Mom’s Dead Upset, What on Earth Is Love, High Kick!, Again My Life, and many more—each showcasing his unmatched versatility and enduring presence.
Before stepping back from activities due to health concerns, Lee Soon Jae continued to embrace the stage and screen with remarkable dedication. He participated in the theater production Waiting for Waiting for Godot and starred in the drama Dog Knows Everything, a role that earned him the Daesang (Grand Prize) at the 2024 KBS Drama Awards—an extraordinary achievement in the later years of his career.
Lee Soon Jae’s passing marks the end of an era. His immense contributions, unwavering passion, and decades-long influence will be remembered with deep respect, leaving a legacy that remains irreplaceable in Korean cultural history.
