The Korean entertainment world woke up to heartbreaking news today.
A pillar of Korean drama, a teacher to generations of actors, and a national treasure in every sense of the word — Lee Soon-jae — has passed away at the age of 91. According to a statement from his family, the legendary actor quietly took his final breath in the early hours of November 25, surrounded by loved ones.
For many Koreans, it feels as if a light that always seemed to shine — no matter the decade, no matter the era — has finally dimmed.
A SHOCK THAT REVERBERATED ACROSS A NATION
The news broke shortly after sunrise, and within minutes, it dominated every major platform in South Korea.
Hashtags honoring him shot to the top of Naver and Twitter:
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#LeeSoonJae
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#NationGrandfather
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#ThankYouLeeSoonJae
Actors, directors, and fans from around the world flooded social media with messages of grief, gratitude, and disbelief. Even those who never met him personally referred to him as “family,” “comfort,” and “the grandfather we watched growing up.”
One fan wrote, “He raised us through the screen. I can’t believe the day has come when we say goodbye.”
Another commented, “He taught us loyalty, love, humor, and wisdom — even when he was just playing a character.”
THE MAN WHO BECAME EVERYONE’S GRANDFATHER
Though Lee Soon-jae had an extraordinary career spanning more than six decades, he became affectionately known as:
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“Haeri’s Grandfather” from the hit sitcom High Kick Through the Roof, and
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“Mrs. Ja Ok’s husband” in numerous beloved household-style drama roles.
But these nicknames only reflected a tiny part of his influence.
To many, he represented warmth — a calm, wise, steady presence on screen.
Whether he was portraying a strict father, a comedic elder, or a lonely widower, he did it with unmatched depth and sincerity.
He could make viewers burst into laughter in one scene, and in the next, reduce them to tears with a single silent expression. Very few actors in the world carry that kind of power — and Lee Soon-jae was one of them.
A CAREER THAT CHANGED THE FACE OF KOREAN ENTERTAINMENT
Debuting in 1956, Lee Soon-jae lived through — and helped define — every major stage of modern Korean acting:
🎭 Pioneer of Korean Theater
Before television was even common, he was already a respected stage actor, shaping the early roots of modern Korean performance art.
📺 Founding Father of Korean Broadcast Acting
When national television launched in the 1960s, he became one of its first stars — a household name before the idea of “K-drama” even existed.
🎬 Breakthrough Roles in Film & Drama
He delivered unforgettable performances in classics such as:
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The King and the Clown
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The First Republic
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High Kick franchise
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Dear My Friends
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Live Up to Your Name
A single glance, a sigh, or a quiet smile from him could hold the emotional weight of an entire episode.
👨🏫 Mentor to Generations
As a professor at Seoul Institute of the Arts, he trained countless actors who later became stars, including many of today’s A-list celebrities. Many of them say the same thing:
“We are who we are because he taught us how to respect the craft.”
Lee Soon-jae wasn’t simply an actor — he was a guardian of Korean dramatic culture.
HIS FINAL YEARS: A SYMBOL OF PASSION AND DEDICATION
Despite his age, he continued working tirelessly.
Even in his late 80s, he appeared in dramas, films, variety shows, theater plays, and interviews. He once said:
“As long as I can read a script, I will act.”
And he lived true to his promise until the very end.
Fans often joked that he had more energy than actors half his age.
He even filmed commercials with humor and elegance, proving that charisma needs no timeline.
THE MOMENT THE NATION FELL SILENT
When his passing was confirmed, reporters described a sudden wave of quiet across drama sets, news studios, and entertainment agencies. One director said:
“We always thought he would outlive us all. You don’t expect legends to disappear.”
At Seoul National University Hospital, where his body is being prepared for the memorial, fans started gathering with white flowers. Some stood quietly in tears. Others bowed deeply, whispering thank-you messages.
The halls filled with a gentle chorus of condolences — a scene that felt more like a national moment of mourning than a private farewell.
FAMILY STATEMENT: “HE LEFT WITH PEACE AND PRIDE”
His family released a short, heartfelt message:
“He lived a life full of love, art, and dignity.
He passed peacefully, knowing he had given everything he had to his craft and to the people.”
They also asked for privacy, noting that he always wished his legacy to be remembered through his work, not his final days.
A memorial altar will be opened to the public for fans to pay their respects.
TRIBUTES POUR IN FROM CELEBRITIES & WORLD LEADERS
Major actors like Lee Byung-hun, Go Hyun-jung, Kim Hye-soo, and Park Seo-joon posted emotional tributes online. Many called him:
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“Our eternal teacher.”
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“A lighthouse in the storm.”
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“The foundation of every drama we know today.”
Even President Yoon released an official statement acknowledging his profound impact on Korean arts and culture.
International media outlets also covered the news, highlighting his contribution to the global recognition of Korean television.
A NATION SAYS GOODBYE — AND THANK YOU
For millions, Lee Soon-jae was part of their childhood, their healing, their laughter, their tears.
People grew up with him, grew old with him, and now must say goodbye to him.
As one fan wrote:
“He wasn’t just an actor. He was comfort. He was home.”
HIS LEGACY WILL NEVER LEAVE THE SCREEN
Even though Lee Soon-jae is gone, his voice, his warmth, and his wisdom remain alive in the countless works he left behind.
From classic black-and-white dramas to modern HD productions, he has lived in every era and every format — leaving behind a body of work that will continue inspiring generations.
He once said with a gentle smile:
“If my acting helped even one person feel less alone, then I have done my job.”
Without question, he did far more than that.
A FINAL FAREWELL
The nation mourns today, but it also celebrates a man who dedicated more than 65 years to storytelling, art, and humanity.
Lee Soon-jae may have taken his last breath, but the characters he brought to life — the grandfather, the father, the teacher, the friend — will continue breathing across screens forever.
🕊️ Rest in peace, Lee Soon-jae.
A legend, a mentor, a national treasure.
Thank you for everything.
