Actor Lee Soon-jae, a towering figure in Korean entertainment and one of the nation’s longest-working performers, died Tuesday. He was 91.
According to his family, Lee died early on Tuesday morning.
Even in advanced age, Lee had continued to work across television, film and theater, remaining active until late 2024, when health problems forced him to withdraw midway through the run of the play “Waiting for Waiting for Godot.” His final screen appearance came in the KBS series “Dog Knows Everything,” which aired in September and October 2024. He accepted the broadcaster’s top acting prize at its year-end awards show in January before stepping back to rest.
During a 69-year illustrious career, Lee created some of the most indelible characters in Korean popular culture: the stern yet comedic “Daebal's Father,” the mischievous “Yadong Soon-jae” and the globe-trotting “Grandpa Over Flowers” persona that endeared him to younger generations.
Continue Reading on The Korea Herald
This preview shows approximately 15% of the article. Read the full story on the publisher's website to support quality journalism.