On November 28, MBC aired a memorial documentary titled “Actor Lee Soon-jae, Thank You for Everything,” highlighting the life and career of the veteran performer. Originally intended as a career retrospective, the documentary’s production was interrupted due to Lee Soon-jae’s rapid health decline, and it was ultimately broadcast three days after his passing as a tribute.
Kai, an actor who shared the stage with Lee Soon-jae in the play Waiting for Waiting for Godot, recalled, “On stage, he would constantly push himself—wondering if he could do more, perform more intensely. He drew energy from the audience’s reactions and laughter. It was clear how much he loved being on stage.”
Despite being in poor health and physically unable to perform, Lee Soon-jae insisted on fulfilling his commitment to the audience. Park Jung-mi, producer of the play, shared, “He was in no condition to perform, barely able to walk or speak. I begged him tearfully to cancel the show.”
Kai added, “He repeatedly said he wanted to keep his promise to the audience and didn’t want to inconvenience anyone. After completing the 90-minute performance, he went straight to the emergency room.”
Lee Soon-jae passed away on November 25 at the age of 91. Born in Hoeryong, North Hamgyong Province, he graduated from Seoul High School and Seoul National University’s Department of Philosophy. He debuted as a KBS first-generation actor in 1960 and remained the oldest active actor in Korea until last year. His extensive work in TV dramas such as What on Earth is Love, Men of the Bathhouse, and films including Stand By Me, Intimate Strangers, and I Love You earned him the affectionate title of “National Father.”
In addition to his acting career, Lee Soon-jae served as a member of the National Assembly after winning a seat in the 14th general election in 1992. He held positions such as spokesperson for the Democratic Liberal Party and secretary of the Korea-Japan Parliamentary Association.
Lee Soon-jae’s dedication to his craft remained unwavering even as health concerns arose last year. In January 2024, he received the Grand Prize at the KBS Entertainment Awards for “Dog Knows Everything,” expressing gratitude to viewers: “Actors should be judged only by their performances. Thank you to all the viewers who have encouraged and supported me throughout my life.”
Sources: Netizenbuzz