Lee Soon-jae, one of South Korea's most beloved actors, died on Tuesday at the age of 91, his agency announced.
In a career spanning more than 70 years across films, television and the stage, Lee was fondly known as the 'national TV dad' for his many roles as a wise, older man. This included two of his best-known performances - as a strict father in the 1991 soap What on Earth is Love, and a silly but lovable grandpa in the popular sitcom High Kick! which aired from 2006 to 2012.
News of his death has sparked an outpouring of tributes from young celebrities, including K-pop singers, speaking of his warmth and kindness, to President Lee Jae Myung. From theatre to film and television, he brought us laughter, emotion, comfort and courage, the president wrote on Facebook.
Lee was acting until last year, when he won the grand prize at the KBS Drama Awards for his lead role in the comedy series Dog Knows Everything. He was the oldest South Korean actor to ever win the honour.
Born in 1934 in Hoeryeong, now in North Korea, Lee's family moved south to Seoul when he was just four years old. He studied philosophy at Seoul National University, but found his passion in acting largely inspired by Sir Laurence Olivier's portrayal in Hamlet.
Throughout his career, Lee made appearances in about 140 TV shows and continued stage performances until October 2024, shortly before his recent health issues. He made a rare comeback at the awards in December.
His impactful career left a significant mark, maintaining his status as a household name through decades, captivating younger audiences in an era where Korean entertainment shines globally.
Actor Yoo Yeon-seok, who trained under Lee, praised his legacy, while co-star Jeong Bo-seok expressed deep gratitude, highlighting Lee's mentorship in both acting and life.
Additional reporting by Rachel Lee
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