Affectionately called the ‘Nation’s Grandpa’, veteran actor Lee Soon-jae has passed away at the age of 91.
On November 25 KST, the actor’s agency and his family confirmed that Lee Soon-jae passed away peacefully following health issues that had forced him to halt his activities earlier this year.
Born in 1934, Lee Soon-jae graduated from Seoul National University’s Department of Philosophy before pursuing the arts. Debuting in 1956, he became one of the pioneering faces of Korean broadcasting and went on to star in over 100 dramas from historical hits like ‘Sangdo’ and ‘Lee San,wind in the palace’ to iconic series such as ‘High Kick!’, ‘Mom’s Dead Upset’, and many more.
Lee Soon-jae’s last project, KBS2’s ‘Dog Knows Everything’, earned him the Daesang (Grand Prize) at the 2024 KBS Drama Awards, making him the oldest winner of the honour.
“We will long remember him as an actor beloved by all generations and as a true national actor,” President Lee Jae-myung expressed on social media.
Leaders, colleagues, and juniors are mourning his loss, with tributes highlighting his integrity, passion for acting, and the profound inspiration he provided to generations.
We offer our heartfelt condolences to Lee Soon-jae’s family and friends. May he rest in peace.
Written by: Shrutha Keerthi E
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