Legendary Korean Actor Lee Soon Jae Dies at 91; A Seven-Decade Legacy Ends
Updated on: 26 November, 2025 02:03 PM IST |Shweta Shah
Korean Actor Lee Soon Jae dies at 91
South Korean acting legend Lee Soon Jae died on November 25, 2025, at the age of 91, confirmed by his agency SG Way Entertainment.
His passing has marked the end of an extraordinary career that spanned more than six decades — a timeline that saw him evolve from a stage actor to a national icon across theatre, film, and television.
Born in 1934 in Hoeryong (now part of North Korea), Lee Soon Jae’s family moved to Seoul before the outbreak of the Korean War.
He began his acting journey while studying at Seoul National University and made his debut in the 1956 play Beyond the Horizon.
Over the years, Lee graced roughly 140 major television dramas along with numerous films and stage productions — a body of work few can match.
Iconic Roles and Unforgettable Performances
One of Lee Soon Jae’s breakthrough television successes came with the family drama What Is Love? (1991–1992), which notched an astounding 65% viewership rating and established his reputation as a quintessential stern yet affectionate father figure.
He went on to deliver powerful performances in historical dramas such as Hur Jun (1999), playing the principled physician Yoo Ui-tae, as well as in shows like Sangdo and Lee San.
In his later years, Lee demonstrated remarkable adaptability and range by embracing comedy and modern sitcoms. His roles in the hit series High Kick! (2006–2012) and High Kick Through the Roof (2009) introduced him to newer generations while showcasing his comedic timing and warmth.
Even as he entered his 80s and 90s, Lee remained active — taking on roles across all mediums and continuing to earn accolades.
Final Years, Awards and Last Works
In 2024, Lee Soon Jae won the top honour at the KBS Drama Awards for his performance in the series Dog Knows Everything, becoming the oldest actor ever to receive the Grand Prize.
During his acceptance speech, he reflected on his long journey, sharing, “I’ve lived long enough to see a day like this…”
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He had also ventured briefly into politics—serving as a lawmaker with the now-defunct Democratic Liberal Party between 1992 and 1996—though his true passion remained acting.
Beyond acting, he contributed as an educator, teaching in the Department of Acting Arts at Gachon University.
In late 2024, declining health forced him to cancel his participation in the theatre production Waiting for Godot—signalling the beginning of his withdrawal from public performances.
National Mourning — Tributes and Legacy
News of Lee Soon Jae’s death triggered an outpouring of condolences from across the entertainment industry as well as from fans worldwide.
The president of South Korea, Lee Jae-myung, described him as a “great star of Korean arts”, praising how he brought “laughter, emotion, comfort and courage” to generations.
Colleagues and protégés recalled Lee’s tireless dedication and generosity. Veteran actress Park Jeong‑ja said, “He poured his entire body and heart into every role, in any circumstance, giving everything he could express.”
For many, he was more than an actor — a mentor and a symbol of unwavering commitment to the craft.
As the curtains close on his extraordinary life, Lee Soon Jae remains not just a legend of Korean cinema and theatre, but a timeless voice of passion, perseverance, and artistry.
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