Legendary Actor Lee Soon-jae, a Pillar of Korean Culture, Passes Away at 91

3 hours ago7 min read

SEOUL – The South Korean entertainment industry is in mourning following the passing of Lee Soon-jae, one of its most revered and enduring actors. He was 91.Lee's death marks the end of an era for a performer whose seven-decade career chronicled the evolution of modern Korean media, from the early days of black-and-white television to the contemporary streaming era. More than just an actor, Lee was a national icon, often affectionately regarded as the industry's grandfather for his mentorship and unwavering presence.His vast and versatile filmography included defining roles in seminal historical dramas that shaped cultural narratives and beloved family sitcoms that became a staple in households across the nation. Lee possessed a rare ability to imbue every character with profound authenticity, whether portraying a sage king with commanding gravitas or a comedic family patriarch with warm, twinkling eyes.His dedication to his craft never wavered, and he remained a respected mentor on set, generously guiding the generations of actors who followed in his footsteps. While his passing leaves an immeasurable void, his legacy endures through his vast body of work, which continues to be celebrated in reruns, and through the indelible impact he made on Korean culture and the countless colleagues he inspired.

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