Tributes Pour in for Veteran Actor Lee Soon-jae as Entertainment Industry Mourns His Passing

Veteran actor Lee Soon-jae passed away on the 25th, leaving a profound impact on the entertainment industry. Fellow actors, comedians, and broadcasters have taken to social media to express their heartfelt tributes.

Actor Kim Soo-ro shared on Instagram, "Teacher, I am deeply saddened. I didn't expect to shed tears like this." He praised Lee as an exceptional mentor and vowed to live more diligently, inspired by Lee's teachings.

Actor Lee Jae-yong reminisced, "When a junior over sixty asked for a hug, you embraced me without hesitation. I remember it happening twice." He recalled meeting Lee two decades ago in a role where he had to portray Lee's tormentor, yet Lee always reminded him that the paths of an actor and a person are not different.

Actor Cho Seong-ha noted, "Respected teacher Lee Soon-jae always spoke of great works with happiness." He fondly remembered Lee's bright smile.

Actor Song Seung-heon shared a photo of Lee from his younger days, calling the time spent with him an 'honor.' Ko Kyung-pyo expressed the inevitability of parting with a heavy heart on his social media story.

Actress Kim Sung-eun recalled Lee officiating her wedding, saying, "Meeting as professor and student, he taught me acting and blessed my family, supporting us quietly and steadfastly."

So E-hyun promised to remember Lee, whom she described as a 'great tree' she always wanted to learn from. Oh Na-ra thanked Lee for being a pillar of support, expressing her longing. Lee Yeon-hee reminisced about practicing with Lee, calling those moments a great honor.

Lee was kind not only to prominent actors but also to those in smaller roles. Kim Ha-young, known for her reenactment roles, recalled Lee's comforting words, "People may call you reenactment actors, but you're just acting," which gave her strength and motivation.

Lee's love extended to broadcasters and singers. Announcer Oh Jung-yeon described Lee as a steadfast presence on stage, recalling his deep gaze and warm advice. Broadcaster Park Seul-gi remembered Lee's kindness during interviews despite his busy schedule.

Kwon Yuri, who recently performed with Lee in the play 'Grandpa Henri and I,'(앙리 할아버지와 나) expressed her gratitude for his teachings and the time spent together.

Many others, including actors Jung Eun-pyo, Ha Jun, Yoo Yeon-seok, Lee Se-eun, and child actress Choi Seol-ah, have expressed their gratitude for Lee's influence.

Lee Soon-jae passed away at the age of 91. His wake is being held at Room 30 of the Seoul Asan Hospital Funeral Hall in Songpa-gu, Seoul. Visitors began paying their respects from 1 PM. The funeral will take place on the 27th at 6:20 AM, with the burial at Eden Paradise in Icheon, Gyeonggi Province.

Reporter: Da-yeon Jeong, Ten Asia light@tenasia.co.kr