Veteran South Korean actor Lee Soon-jae dies at 91
What's the story
Veteran South Korean actor Lee Soon-jae, one of the country's most influential performers, has died at the age of 91. As per reports from Korean media, his family and his agency, SG Way Entertainment, confirmed the news on Tuesday. His passing marks the close of a remarkable career that helped shape the early landscape of Korean television, theater, and cinema.
Early journey
Lee's early life and acting debut
Born in 1934 in Hoeryong, now located in North Korea, Lee moved to Seoul with his family before the outbreak of the Korean War. He discovered his passion for acting while studying at Seoul National University and made his stage debut in 1956 with Beyond the Horizon. This marked the start of a remarkable six-decade-long journey across various media and eras.
Career highlights
Lee's prolific career and memorable performances
Throughout his long career, the actor appeared in nearly 140 major dramas, taking on both lead and supporting roles in many of Korea's most celebrated productions. His performance in the hit sitcom High Kick Through the Roof remains a fan favorite, while he displayed his gravitas in the historical drama The King's Face. He became the oldest actor at 90 to win The Grand Prize (Daesang) at the 2024 KBS Drama Awards for Dog Knows Everything.