Veteran Actor Lee Soon-jae Passes Away at 91: A Legacy of Unwavering Dedication to Acting

Renowned as the oldest active actor, Lee Soon-jae has passed away at the age of 91. His heartfelt speech at his last awards ceremony continues to resonate with many.

At the KBS 2024 Drama Awards last year, Lee was honored with the Grand Prize and delivered a moving acceptance speech. "Living long enough, days like this come," he began, emphasizing that acting should be evaluated regardless of age. "Even at the American Academy, actors like Meryl Streep have won once in their 30s and three times after their 60s. We should also award based on performance, not age. It should be about 'acting,' not popularity or other conditions."

Lee also highlighted the collaborative nature of acting. "This award is not just mine. Many actors contributed to 'Dog Sound.' They all played a significant role. And there were staff members who gave their best in their respective roles. It took over four and a half hours to travel back and forth to Geoje more than 20 times for filming. Everyone truly contributed."

As a professor emeritus at Gachon University, Lee was moved to tears when thinking of his students. "Thanks to the president's consideration, I've been working as a professor emeritus at Gachon University for 13 years. My classes involve choosing a piece with students, practicing for a semester, and presenting it at the end. But this six-month process didn't align with my filming schedule, so I couldn't be there consistently. I told my students, 'I'm really sorry, I feel like I'm not qualified to be a professor anymore,' and they said, 'Don't worry. Focus on your drama filming, and we'll do as you taught us.' Hearing that brought tears to my eyes."

Lee expressed gratitude to KBS, producers, and fellow actor Choi Soo-jong, and warmly thanked viewers. "To all the viewers who stayed with us until late, and everyone watching from home, I've received so much help throughout my life. Thank you sincerely."

According to his family, Lee passed away early on the 25th. His funeral arrangements have not yet been made. Concerns about his health had been growing since last year.

Lee Soon-jae was a steadfast presence in the acting world, active across television, film, and theater. He continued to perform in plays like 'Waiting for Godot' and the KBS 2TV drama 'Dog Sound' until recently.

Born in 1934 in Hoeryong, North Hamgyong Province, Lee moved to Seoul with his grandparents at around age four. His official birth record states 1935. He experienced liberation while helping his grandfather at Namdaemun Market and lived through the Korean War during his first year of high school.

Lee discovered his passion for acting while studying philosophy at Seoul National University. Laurence Olivier's 'Hamlet' was the decisive work that inspired him to become an actor.

Debuting in 1956 with the play 'Beyond the Horizon,' he became a first-generation contracted actor with TBC in 1965, growing alongside the history of Korean broadcasting. His major works include over 140 titles such as 'I Want to Be Human,' 'Dongui Bogam,' 'The Three Kim Era,' 'Men of the Bath House,' 'The Rustic Period,' 'Toji,' and 'Mom's Dead Upset.'

Particularly, his role as 'Daebal's Father' in 'What Is Love?' (1991-1992), which achieved a peak viewership of 65%, became a symbol of the patriarchal father. He consistently appeared in works from the 1970s and 80s like 'Sorrowful Song,' 'Queen Inmok,' 'Wind and Cloud,' and 'Independence Gate,' and his historical drama performances in 'Hur Jun,' 'Sangdo,' and 'Yi San' were also highly acclaimed.

Lee did not rest on his laurels. In his 70s, he broke away from his strict image with comedic roles in sitcoms 'High Kick!' and 'High Kick Through the Roof,' earning the affection of younger audiences with his 'Yadong Soon-jae' character. On the variety show 'Grandpas Over Flowers,' his youthful energy and passion earned him the nickname 'Straightforward Soon-jae.'

Approaching his 90s, he delivered performances rich in depth in plays like 'The Long Life Shop,' 'My Grandpa Henri,' and 'King Lear,' where he flawlessly delivered 200 minutes of extensive dialogue, receiving high praise. In 2023, he took on the role of director with Chekhov's 'The Seagull.'

Until last year, he continued to act in the play 'Waiting for Godot' and the drama 'Dog Sound,' passionately dedicating himself to his craft. He was named the oldest recipient of the Grand Prize at the KBS Drama Awards last year.

Beyond acting, Lee also ventured into politics, serving as a member of the 14th National Assembly (Democratic Liberal Party). He was elected in the 1992 general election for Seoul Jungnang-gap. Additionally, he dedicated himself to education, guiding students as a professor emeritus in the Department of Performing Arts at Gachon University until recently.

Choi Ji-ye, Ten Asia Reporter wisdomart@tenasia.co.kr