In a profound loss for South Korean cinema and television, veteran actor Lee Soon-jae, revered as the nation’s oldest working performer, passed away peacefully in his sleep early on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at the age of 91. The news, confirmed by his family through a heartfelt statement, has sent shockwaves through the entertainment world, where Lee had been a fixture for over seven decades, captivating audiences with his versatile portrayals of wise fathers, comedic grandfathers, and complex patriarchs.
Lee Soon-jae, born on December 9, 1933, in Hwanghae Province, North Korea, before migrating south during the Korean War, leaves behind a legacy that spans theater, film, and the explosive rise of K-dramas. His death marks the end of an era for South Korean actors who bridged traditional storytelling with modern global phenomena. At 91, he was still actively involved in projects, embodying resilience and passion that inspired generations.
From Humble Beginnings to Theater Pioneer
Lee Soon-jae‘s journey into acting began in the turbulent post-war years of South Korea, a time when the nation was rebuilding from devastation. Displaced by the Korean War, young Lee found solace and purpose on the stages of Seoul’s nascent theater scene. In 1956, he made his professional debut with the National Theater Company, performing in plays that drew from Korea’s rich folklore and contemporary social issues. His early roles often portrayed everyday heroes—farmers, soldiers, and intellectuals—reflecting the struggles of a divided nation.
By the 1960s, Lee had become a staple in experimental theater, collaborating with directors who pushed boundaries against the backdrop of authoritarian rule. One of his breakthrough performances came in the 1967 production of Yi Sun-sin, where he embodied the legendary admiral with a gravitas that earned him critical acclaim. Theater critic Kim Ji-hoon later recalled in an interview, “Lee Soon-jae didn’t just act; he lived the roles, infusing them with the soul of Korea’s unyielding spirit.” This period solidified his reputation as a actor of depth, far beyond mere entertainment.
Statistics from the Korean Theater Association highlight Lee’s influence: during the 1970s, he starred in over 50 stage productions, many of which toured internationally, introducing South Korean arts to audiences in Japan and the United States. His commitment to theater persisted even as television beckoned, with him often returning to the stage between film shoots. This dual life—stage and screen—set him apart from peers who chased commercial fame, establishing a legacy of artistic integrity.
Personal anecdotes from colleagues paint a vivid picture. Director Park Chan-wook, in a 2020 retrospective, shared how Lee’s theater workshops in the 1980s mentored young talents, including future stars like Song Kang-ho. “He taught us that acting is about empathy, not ego,” Park said. Lee’s early career wasn’t without hardships; financial instability forced him into side jobs as a voice actor for radio dramas, where his warm baritone narrated tales of resilience that mirrored his own life.
Breakthrough in Film and the Dawn of K-Drama Dominance
As South Korea’s film industry blossomed in the late 1970s, Lee Soon-jae transitioned seamlessly, bringing his theatrical prowess to the silver screen. His film debut in 1975’s Yeoseong-ui giyeom showcased his ability to blend drama with subtle humor, but it was the 1980s blockbusters that catapulted him to household name status. In The Man with Three Coffins (1987), Lee played a cunning investigator, a role that grossed over 500,000 tickets in its opening week—a significant feat in pre-globalization Korea.
The real explosion came with television. Joining MBC in 1981, Lee became synonymous with the family saga genre that defined South Korean broadcasting. His role as the stern yet loving father in Country Diaries (1980-2002), a long-running series, reached viewing peaks of 65% nationally, according to Nielsen Korea ratings. This portrayal resonated deeply in a society valuing Confucian family structures, making Lee a cultural icon.
By the 2000s, as K-dramas conquered Asia and beyond, Lee’s comedic timing shone in sitcoms like the High Kick! series (2006-2012). As the eccentric Grandpa Lee, he delivered lines that became national catchphrases, such as “Youth is wasted on the young!” The series amassed over 800 episodes across iterations, with Lee’s character evolving into a symbol of generational wisdom laced with mischief. Export data from the Korean Film Council shows High Kick! contributing to $200 million in overseas sales, underscoring Lee’s role in the Hallyu wave.
Awards poured in during this era: Best Actor at the Baeksang Arts Awards in 1999 for Medical Brothers, and a Lifetime Achievement honor at the 2015 KBS Drama Awards. At 82, he was still headlining Father is Strange (2017), drawing 30% ratings and international acclaim on platforms like Netflix. “Lee Soon-jae is the heartbeat of Korean drama,” actress Lee Yoo-ri, his co-star, tweeted after his passing. “His eyes told stories words couldn’t.”
Behind the scenes, Lee’s work ethic was legendary. He once rehearsed a scene 50 times in freezing weather for authenticity, as recounted in his 2018 memoir Stages of Life, which sold 100,000 copies in its first month. This dedication extended to mentoring; he founded the Lee Soon-jae Acting Academy in 2005, training over 500 students, many now prominent in Seoul’s entertainment scene.
Tributes Flood In: A Nation Mourns Its Patriarch
News of Lee Soon-jae’s death spread like wildfire across social media, with #LeeSoonJae trending worldwide within hours. Fans from South Korea to the U.S. shared clips of his performances, amassing millions of views. President Yoon Suk-yeol issued a statement: “Lee Soon-jae was more than an actor; he was a guardian of our cultural soul. His passing leaves a void, but his light endures.”
Celebrity tributes were equally poignant. Park Seo-joon, who worked with Lee on Itaewon Class (2020), posted on Instagram: “Grandpa, your lessons on screen and off shaped me. Rest in peace.” The Korean Actors Guild organized a virtual vigil, attended by 10,000 online participants, featuring readings from his iconic scripts. International voices joined, with Japanese actor Ken Watanabe calling him “a bridge between East Asian cinemas.”
Public mourning took physical form too. Flowers piled up outside his agency’s office in Gangnam, and a makeshift memorial at Seoul’s National Theater drew hundreds daily. Social media analytics from Brand Analytics reported a 300% spike in searches for “Lee Soon-jae obituary,” reflecting global interest. In South Korea, where elders are venerated, his death prompted reflections on aging in the spotlight—Lee was the oldest active actor at 91, defying industry norms.
Family shared intimate details: Lee’s wife of 60 years, actress Kim Hee-ae, spoke briefly to reporters, saying, “He went smiling, talking about his next role.” Their son, a director, revealed Lee’s final days involved watching old tapes, chuckling at his younger self. This personal touch humanized the legend, reminding fans of the man behind the roles.
Broader context emerged in discussions of South Korea’s entertainment landscape. With K-content exports hitting $12.5 billion in 2024 per the Ministry of Culture, Lee’s foundational work paved the way. Experts like Professor Jung Eun-kyung from Seoul National University noted, “His versatility from tragedy to comedy mirrored Korea’s own transformations—from war-torn to powerhouse.” Tributes also highlighted underrepresented aspects, like his advocacy for actors’ rights during the 1990s labor strikes.
Enduring Legacy: Iconic Performances That Shaped K-Entertainment
Lee Soon-jae’s legacy is etched in the annals of South Korean entertainment, with over 200 film and TV credits that influenced storytelling norms. His portrayals often subverted stereotypes: the authoritative father who learns vulnerability, as in Unstoppable High Kick (2012), where his character’s arc on forgiveness resonated amid Korea’s high-pressure society. Viewership data shows episodes featuring Lee boosting ratings by 15-20%, per KBS archives.
In film, his role in The President’s Last Bang (2005), a satirical take on historical scandal, earned him international festival nods and sparked debates on censorship. Critics praised his nuanced depiction of power, drawing parallels to real Korean politics. Lee’s foray into historical epics, like King and the Clown (2005)—which sold 12 million tickets, a record—showcased his range, blending pathos with levity.
Beyond performances, his philanthropy amplified his impact. Lee donated proceeds from his 2010 autobiography to war orphan funds, supporting 500 children annually. The Lee Soon-jae Foundation, established in 2015, funds theater education in rural areas, reaching 20,000 students since inception. “He believed art heals divisions,” foundation director Choi Min-soo said, echoing Lee’s post-war ethos.
Globally, his work in dubbed series reached Latin America and the Middle East, fostering cultural exchange. A 2023 study by the Asia-Pacific Entertainment Institute credited veterans like Lee for 40% of K-drama’s soft power appeal. His influence persists in modern hits; directors cite him as inspiration for ensemble family dynamics in shows like Reply 1988.
Challenges he faced, including typecasting as the ‘wise elder,’ were met with reinvention. At 85, he tackled a villainous role in The Devil Judge (2021), subverting expectations and earning a 25% approval spike in polls. This adaptability cements his legacy as timeless.
Honoring the Legend: Memorial Plans and Future Tributes
As South Korea bids farewell, plans for commemorating Lee Soon-jae are underway, ensuring his legacy endures. A state funeral, requested by the family and approved by cultural authorities, is set for November 28, 2025, at the Seoul Arts Center. Expected attendees include top K-entertainment figures and international dignitaries, with live broadcasts on KBS and MBC reaching an estimated 50 million viewers domestically.
The Korean Film Archive announced a retrospective festival in December, screening 20 of his landmark films, including restored prints of early works. “This will celebrate his contributions to our cinematic heritage,” archivist Lee Ji-young stated. Additionally, the Baeksang Arts Awards plans a special tribute category in 2026, honoring actors over 80 in his name.
Forward-looking initiatives include digitizing his theater archives through a partnership with the National Library of Korea, making rare performances accessible online by 2027. Fans can contribute to a memorial fund via the Lee Soon-jae Foundation, already raising $1 million in pledges for aspiring actors’ scholarships.
In the evolving K-industry, Lee’s passing prompts discussions on supporting senior talents. The Actors’ Union advocates for pension reforms, inspired by his long career without burnout. Emerging stars like Kim Soo-hyun vow to carry his torch: “We’ll honor him by telling stories with heart.” As South Korea’s entertainment sector eyes further global expansion—projected to hit $20 billion by 2030—Lee’s blueprint of authenticity will guide the next wave, ensuring his influence ripples for decades.
Through these tributes, Lee Soon-jae’s obituary transforms into a celebration, reminding the world of a man whose life was his greatest role.
