Remembering Actor Lee Soon-jae: A Tribute on 'You Quiz on the Block'

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The production team of 'You Quiz on the Block' paid tribute to the late actor Lee Soon-jae.

On the 320th episode of tvN's variety show 'You Quiz on the Block,' which aired on the 26th, a tribute message and footage of Lee Soon-jae from his appearance on the 238th episode on April 3rd last year were shared.

During the broadcast, host Yoo Jae-suk asked Lee, "What is life, sir?" Lee replied, "We are all born under different circumstances, but there must be a reason for our existence in this world. If you have the confidence and determination that you can become anything, you can achieve it all."

Previously, Lee appeared on 'You Quiz' and expressed his unwavering passion for acting, saying, "There were six founding members of TBC, and I'm the only one left. I have to go so that the six of us can meet in the afterlife. Dying on stage is the happiest moment for an actor."

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Lee also reminisced, "I ran tirelessly. That was my joy and fulfillment," reflecting on his lifelong dedication to the stage and camera.

The production team introduced this segment with deep respect and gratitude, saying, "An eternal active performer, an eternal King Lear. We owe you so much. Rest in peace, sir."

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Meanwhile, Lee Soon-jae was honored with the Grand Prize at the KBS 2024 Drama Awards for his role in the drama 'Dog Sound' last year. At the time, he moved audiences by expressing his gratitude to the production team, his students, colleagues, juniors, broadcasting staff, and viewers, saying, "Thank you to everyone who encouraged me late into the night, and to those watching from home. I've received so much help throughout my life. I sincerely thank you."

Since the end of last year, Lee had taken a break from theater activities and external schedules to recover his health, and he passed away in the early hours of the 25th, at the age of 91. Lee debuted in 1956 with the play 'Beyond the Horizon' and grew alongside the era of Korean TV dramas, becoming a first-generation talent at KBS in 1960 and a contracted actor at TBC in 1965. He maintained his status as a great actor by portraying characters through changing times with profound expressiveness in dramas, films, and plays.

Reporter Na-yeon Cho, Ten Asia nybluebook@tenasia.co.kr