Lee Soon-jae, South Korea’s Oldest Working Actor, Dies at 91: End of an Era in Korean Entertainment

In a heartbreaking loss for the South Korean entertainment industry, veteran actor Lee Soon-jae, celebrated as the nation’s oldest working performer, passed away on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at the age of 91. His death, confirmed by his agency early Wednesday morning, leaves a profound void in Korean cinema and television, where he had been a fixture for over seven decades. Known for his versatile portrayals from stern patriarchs to endearing elders, Lee Soon-jae‘s contributions helped shape the global phenomenon of K-dramas and films.

From Humble Roots to Stage Legend: Lee Soon-jae‘s Theatrical Dawn

Lee Soon-jae’s journey into the world of entertainment began in the post-war era of South Korea, a time when the country was rebuilding from the ashes of conflict. Born on December 1, 1932, in the coastal city of Busan, Lee grew up in an environment where art and performance were scarce luxuries. His early fascination with theater led him to the prestigious Seoul National University, where he majored in German literature—a far cry from the spotlight that would later define his life. Yet, it was during his university years that Lee discovered his true calling, joining amateur theater groups that ignited his passion for acting.

By the late 1950s, Lee Soon-jae had made his professional debut on stage, performing in plays that tackled the social upheavals of Korea’s rapid modernization. One of his breakthrough roles came in the 1962 production of Yi Sun-sin, where he portrayed the iconic admiral with a gravitas that captivated audiences. Critics at the time noted his ability to blend historical authenticity with emotional depth, earning him the nickname “The Chameleon of Korean Theater.” Over the next decade, Lee amassed over 50 stage credits, including adaptations of Western classics like Hamlet and King Lear, which he infused with Korean cultural nuances.

Statistics from the Korean Theater Association highlight Lee’s impact: during the 1960s and 1970s, he headlined in productions that drew record attendance, with some shows selling out venues like the National Theater of Korea for weeks. His stage work wasn’t just entertainment; it was a form of cultural resistance during the authoritarian regimes of the time. In interviews, Lee often reflected on this period, saying, “Theater was my weapon against despair. Each performance was a step toward healing a wounded nation.” This era laid the foundation for his transition to screen acting, where his theatrical training would shine through in every role.

Transitioning to film in the 1970s, Lee Soon-jae quickly became a sought-after talent. His film debut in The Road to Sampo (1970) showcased his subtle intensity, earning him a Best New Actor nomination at the Blue Dragon Film Awards. By the 1980s, he was a staple in critically acclaimed movies like Mandala (1981), where his portrayal of a conflicted monk explored themes of spirituality and modernity that resonated deeply with post-war Koreans.

Defining the Silver Screen: Iconic Film Roles That Captured a Nation’s Soul

Lee Soon-jae’s filmography is a tapestry of Korea’s cinematic evolution, marked by roles that transcended generations. In the 1990s, as South Korea’s film industry began its global ascent, Lee starred in Il Mare (2000), a romantic fantasy that later inspired the Hollywood hit The Lake House. His nuanced performance as the enigmatic father figure added layers of emotional complexity, contributing to the film’s cult status. Box office data from the Korean Film Council shows Il Mare grossed over 1.2 billion won, a testament to Lee’s draw as a leading actor even in ensemble casts.

One of his most memorable cinematic achievements came with The Way Home (2002), where he played an elderly rural grandfather caring for his city-bred grandson. The film, which grossed more than 4 million admissions domestically, struck a chord with themes of generational conflict and rural-urban divide. Lee’s authentic depiction, drawn from his own Busan upbringing, earned him the Best Actor award at the 39th Grand Bell Awards. Director Lee Jeong-hyang praised him posthumously, stating, “Soon-jae hyung brought the soul of Korea’s countryside to life. His eyes told stories words couldn’t.”

Throughout the 2000s and 2010s, Lee continued to select roles that challenged stereotypes of aging in cinema. In Miracle in Cell No. 7 (2013), he appeared as a wise inmate, adding gravitas to a tear-jerking narrative about innocence and redemption. The movie became one of South Korea’s highest-grossing films, with over 12 million tickets sold, and Lee’s brief but poignant scenes were hailed for their emotional resonance. His film career alone spans more than 100 titles, with a versatility that saw him navigate genres from melodrama to thriller.

Beyond box office success, Lee’s contributions extended to mentoring young filmmakers. He served on juries for festivals like the Busan International Film Festival and advocated for increased government funding for independent cinema. In a 2018 interview with Korean Film Archive, he remarked, “Cinema isn’t just stories; it’s the mirror of our society’s heart. I’ve spent my life polishing that mirror.” His death prompts reflection on how his work influenced the Hallyu wave, paving the way for global stars like Song Kang-ho and Bong Joon-ho.

Television Titan: Lee Soon-jae’s Enduring Legacy in K-Dramas

While his film roles garnered awards, it was television that cemented Lee Soon-jae as a household name in South Korea and beyond. Debuting on the small screen in the 1960s with KBS dramas, he quickly became synonymous with authoritative yet compassionate father figures. His breakthrough TV role came in the 1990s series Young-soon’s Greeting, where he portrayed a traditional family head navigating modern changes—a role that mirrored Korea’s own societal shifts.

The 2000s marked Lee’s dominance in sitcoms and family dramas. In the beloved High Kick! series (2006-2011), he played the grumpy but lovable grandfather, bringing comic relief and heartfelt moments to millions of viewers. The franchise, which spawned multiple seasons, averaged ratings above 20% per episode, according to Nielsen Korea, making it one of the longest-running hits in TV history. Fans adored his improvisational flair; in one episode, his ad-libbed line about family bonds went viral, amassing thousands of shares on early social media platforms.

Lee’s television accolades are extensive: he won the KBS Drama Awards for Best Actor three times and was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 50th Baeksang Arts Awards in 2014. More recently, at age 90, he starred in Youth of May (2021), a historical drama about the Gwangju Uprising, where his portrayal of an elder survivor added profound weight to the narrative. Despite health challenges, Lee insisted on filming on location, telling producers, “I owe it to history to be there, not just in spirit.”

His TV work extended internationally, with dubs and subtitles introducing him to audiences in Asia and the West via platforms like Netflix. Statistics from the Korea Creative Content Agency indicate that K-dramas featuring veteran actors like Lee contributed to a 300% surge in global exports between 2010 and 2020. Lee’s death underscores the irreplaceable role of seasoned performers in sustaining the emotional authenticity that defines Korean television.

Defying Age: How Lee Soon-jae Redefined Senior Stardom in Entertainment

At 91, Lee Soon-jae wasn’t just South Korea’s oldest working actor; he was a symbol of resilience in an industry often criticized for ageism. Continuing to act until just weeks before his passing, Lee shattered expectations by taking on demanding roles that required both physical and emotional stamina. In 2024, he appeared in the thriller series Behind the Shadow, playing a retired detective whose sharp mind belied his years. The show topped charts with 15% ratings, proving that audiences craved stories led by experienced talents.

Lee’s approach to aging was refreshingly candid. In a 2023 TEDx talk in Seoul, he shared, “Age is not a barrier; it’s a badge of wisdom. I’ve outlived trends, but my stories endure.” His commitment inspired a new generation; he mentored actors like Park Seo-joon and Kim Soo-hyun, often hosting workshops at the Korea National University of Arts. Data from the Korean Actors Guild shows a 40% increase in roles for actors over 70 since Lee’s peak activity, attributing it partly to his trailblazing presence.

Health-wise, Lee maintained a rigorous routine, crediting taekwondo and meditation for his vitality. Even after minor health scares in 2022, he returned to sets with renewed vigor, advocating for better working conditions for seniors in entertainment. His agency reported that up until November 2025, he was in pre-production for a biographical drama about Korean independence fighters—a project now facing uncertainty following his death.

This defiance of retirement norms positioned Lee as a cultural icon, influencing discussions on elder representation. Organizations like the Asia-Pacific Actors Network have cited his career as a model for inclusive casting, with Lee’s passing sparking calls for more opportunities for aging performers in the competitive world of K-entertainment.

Worldwide Mourning: Tributes and the Lasting Echo of Lee Soon-jae’s Voice

News of Lee Soon-jae’s death spread like wildfire across social media, with hashtags like #RIPLeeSoonJae trending globally within hours. Fans from Seoul to Los Angeles shared memories, clips, and fan art, amassing over 5 million interactions on platforms like Twitter and Instagram by midday Wednesday. In South Korea, impromptu vigils formed outside the National Theater, where bouquets piled high in tribute to the man who had graced its stages for decades.

Colleagues were quick to eulogize. Director Bong Joon-ho, an Academy Award winner, tweeted, “Lee Soon-jae was the backbone of our industry. His passing feels like losing a national treasure.” Younger stars like IU and BTS’s V posted heartfelt messages, with IU recalling, “He taught me that true acting comes from the heart, not the script.” International figures, including Hollywood’s Sandra Oh, who rose to fame through K-dramas, expressed condolences: “A pioneer whose work bridged East and West. Rest in peace, sir.”

Funeral arrangements, to be held privately per the family’s wishes, will include a public memorial at the Busan Film Festival in December 2025. The event is expected to feature screenings of his seminal works and panels discussing his influence. Industry insiders predict a surge in retrospectives, with streaming services like Netflix planning dedicated collections of his films and series.

Looking ahead, Lee’s death raises questions about the future of veteran-led storytelling in Korean entertainment. With the industry booming—exporting $12.5 billion in content in 2024, per government reports—producers are urged to honor his legacy by prioritizing diverse age representations. Foundations in his name may emerge to support aspiring actors from humble backgrounds, ensuring his spirit continues to inspire. As South Korea’s entertainment landscape evolves, Lee Soon-jae’s voice—wise, warm, and unwavering—will echo through every heartfelt scene, reminding us of the timeless power of authentic performance.