In Memory of Lee Soon-jae: A Legend of Korean Screen & Stage
South Korea lost one of its most beloved and respected actors on November 25, 2025, when Lee Soon-jae passed away at the age of 91.
Lee Soon-jae’s career spanned nearly seven decades — from early television and theater, through countless films and dramas, all the way up to recent years. He debuted back in 1961, and over the years he appeared in more than 100 television dramas, films, and stage productions.
Some of his most memorable roles made him known as a comforting, wise presence — the kind of actor who felt like a familiar family grandparent on screen. The title “national TV dad” has been used by many media outlets and fans alike to describe him.
Even in his late 80s and early 90s, Lee Soon-jae remained active. In 2024, he received the highest honour at the KBS Drama Awards (Daesang), making him the oldest actor ever to win the top prize in Korean television.
Why Lee Soon-jae Mattered
- Longevity & Versatility: From black-and-white TV dramas of the 1960s to modern streaming-era shows, Lee adapted and remained relevant — a rare feat in entertainment.
- Cultural Impact: For generations, he offered warmth, wisdom, and emotional depth. Younger viewers knew him from recent dramas, older generations from classics.
- Legacy of Excellence: His body of work spanned genres — comedy, thriller, family drama, theater — showing impressive range. He helped shape what it means to be a veteran actor in Korea.
Notable Dramas & Works of Lee Soon-jae
| Drama / Work | Role / Notes |
| What Is Love? (1991–1992) | Played the patriarch “Daebal’s Father,†a role that made him widely famous and beloved. |
| Hur Jun (1999) | Portrayed the respected physician-mentor “Yoo Ui-tae†in this historical medical drama. |
| Lee San, Wind of the Palace (2007) | Appeared as the former king “King Yeongjo,†adding to his legacy in historical sageuk dramas. |
| Unstoppable High Kick! (2006) | Starred in this popular sitcom/family-comedy, showing his versatility beyond serious roles. |
| High Kick Through the Roof (2009) | Again took part in a comedy/sitcom, endearing him to younger audiences and expanding his fan base across generations. |
| Dog Knows Everything (2024) (and related recent works) | One of his final major screen roles — demonstrating his enduring commitment to acting even in his late 80s–90s.  |
A Final Goodbye
The passing of Lee Soon-jae isn’t just the loss of an actor — it’s the end of an era. As fans, admirers, and fellow artists mourn, his legacy lives on through every role he performed.
He leaves behind a rich tapestry of memories — moments that made viewers laugh, cry, hope, and think. For many, he wasn’t just a character on screen, but a comforting presence through decades of Korean pop culture evolution.
Rest in peace, Lee Soon-jae. Your stories will live on forever.
One of the most iconic figures in hallyu ,keep resting