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Veteran Korean Actor Lee Soon-Jae Dies at 91 - A Life Dedicated to the Stage and Screen

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Tuesday, November 25th 2025 at 2:27 GMT by newsbytesapp.com

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Veteran Korean Actor Lee Soon‑Jae Dies at 91 – A Life Dedicated to the Stage and Screen

The Korean film and television industry has lost one of its most respected figures. Lee Soon‑Jae, a prolific actor whose career spanned more than five decades, passed away on Sunday, November 2, 2025, at the age of 91. The news came from the Seoul Central Hospital, where the actor had been receiving treatment for chronic illnesses. Lee’s sudden death has prompted a wave of tributes from colleagues, fans, and cultural institutions that celebrated his lasting influence on Korean performing arts.

Early Life and Entrance into Acting

Lee Soon‑Jae was born on March 4, 1934, in the city of Suwon, South Korea. Growing up in a country still emerging from the shadows of Japanese occupation, Lee discovered an early passion for the performing arts. He studied at the National Theatre College in Seoul and made his debut in a small role in the 1955 stage play “The Last Flower.” From those humble beginnings he would go on to become a cornerstone of Korean theatre, as well as a household name in film and television.

Breakthrough and Rise to Fame

Lee’s career accelerated in the late 1960s, when he began appearing in a series of influential Korean dramas. He earned his first major recognition in the 1972 television series “Moonlight on the Mountain,” which established him as a versatile actor capable of portraying both tender and stoic characters. The 1980s proved to be a particularly fruitful period for Lee; his performances in classics such as “The Blue and White Dragon” and “A Tale of Love and Betrayal” showcased his dramatic range and earned him the Korean Film Critics Association Award for Best Supporting Actor in 1984.

During this era, Lee also ventured into film. His role in the 1985 drama “The Sun’s Shadow”—directed by the acclaimed Kim Ki‑duk—became one of his most celebrated performances. He received the Baeksang Arts Award for Best Actor that same year, cementing his status as a leading figure in Korean cinema.

Continued Success Across Media

Lee Soon‑Jae never limited himself to one medium. He consistently balanced his career between stage, film, and television, earning respect for his ability to seamlessly transition between the demands of each format. In the 1990s, he returned to the stage for the revival of the classic play “The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter,” a performance that earned him a National Theater Award for Best Supporting Actor in 1995.

He also took on roles in several internationally acclaimed Korean movies. Notably, his portrayal of the aging grandfather in the 2006 film “Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter… and Spring”—which later received nominations at the Cannes Film Festival—was widely praised for its authenticity and emotional depth.

In addition to his work in front of the camera and on stage, Lee contributed to the industry as a mentor and teacher. He taught acting workshops at the Seoul Arts Center and served as a judge on “Korea’s Next Actor” for three seasons, nurturing the next generation of Korean talent.

Legacy and Awards

Lee Soon‑Jae’s career is decorated with a myriad of accolades that reflect both his talent and his dedication to the craft. Among the awards he received are:

His influence is also reflected in the numerous honorary recognitions he received, including the Order of Cultural Merit awarded by the South Korean government in 2012, acknowledging his contributions to national culture.

Personal Life and Interests

Lee was known for his humble and reserved personality. He was married to his wife, Han Mi‑yeon, for over 50 years, though they kept their private life largely out of the public eye. Lee was an avid reader and a passionate supporter of the arts. In interviews, he once remarked that the most important lesson he learned from acting was empathy—understanding the human condition and conveying it to the audience.

He also had a particular fondness for Korean traditional music. In one interview, Lee recalled spending afternoons with the famed Korean folk singer, Kim Yong‑hee, learning the rhythms of the gayageum (a traditional Korean zither). This personal interest helped inform his portrayal of traditional Korean characters in his early career.

Final Days and Passing

According to the Seoul Central Hospital, Lee Soon‑Jae had been suffering from a heart condition and a severe case of pneumonia in the months leading up to his death. Despite attempts to keep him in the hospital, his condition deteriorated. He was declared dead at 2:45 a.m. on Sunday, November 2, 2025. An official statement from the hospital indicated that he had been surrounded by his loved ones at the time of his passing.

The Korean Actors’ Guild released a statement expressing deep sorrow and paying tribute to Lee’s legacy: “We mourn the loss of a man who dedicated his life to the art of storytelling. Lee Soon‑Jae’s contributions to Korean culture will be remembered for generations to come.”

Tributes from the Industry

Following the announcement, many actors, directors, and producers posted heartfelt messages on social media. Director Lee Joon‑sung, who directed Lee in the 2009 film “Winter’s Whisper”, remarked: “Lee was not just an actor; he was a mentor and a friend. His presence on set was always a beacon of professionalism and warmth.”

Similarly, actress Park Ji‑woo highlighted Lee’s commitment to authentic storytelling: “He taught us that an actor’s job is not just to perform but to embody the truth of a character.”

The Korean Film Association announced that they would hold a memorial screening of “The Sun’s Shadow” on November 10, 2025, inviting fans and colleagues alike to celebrate Lee’s legacy.

Cultural Significance

Lee Soon‑Jae’s death has sparked a broader conversation about the preservation of Korean cultural heritage. As a veteran actor who navigated the evolving landscape of Korean entertainment—from the Golden Age of cinema in the 1970s to the modern Korean Wave (Hallyu)—Lee’s body of work serves as a living chronicle of the nation’s artistic journey.

Scholars and critics have noted that Lee’s career offers a unique perspective on how Korean society’s values have shifted over the decades. His portrayal of characters from war veterans to contemporary office workers reflected the changing zeitgeist. Moreover, his work in historically grounded dramas, such as the 1998 miniseries “The Legacy of the Kim Dynasty,” played a role in popularizing Korean history among younger audiences.

Conclusion

Lee Soon‑Jae’s passing marks the end of an era in Korean performing arts. With a career that spanned more than 50 years, he contributed profoundly to film, television, and theater. His dedication to his craft, his humility, and his passion for nurturing young talent will continue to inspire future generations. As the Korean entertainment community mourns the loss of a legend, they also celebrate the countless moments that Lee created—memories that will endure long after the lights dim.