Lee Soon-jae, who was one of South Korea’s oldest active actors, died at the age of 91 on Tuesday morning, Nov 25.
Lee’s death was confirmed by his talent management agency SG Way Entertainment through a statement to Korea JoongAng Daily, also on Tuesday.
No cause of death was immediately stated. It can be recalled, however, that Lee withdrew from the play Waiting For Godot and temporarily took a break from acting in October 2024, citing health concerns.
Lee, a graduate of Seoul National University, debuted as theatre actor in 1956. He then expanded his career and starred in numerous films and over a hundred TV series including Dongui Bogam, I’ll Become A Man, Three Kim Generation, See You Again, Men Of The Bathhouse, Mom’s Dead Upset, What On Earth Is Love, High Kick! and Again My Life.
He was also part of the 2024 drama Dog Knows Everything, which earned him the KBS Drama Awards grand prize last January.
Aside from his acting career, Lee had a stint in politics as well, serving as a member of the National Assembly in 1992. – Philippine Daily Inquirer/Asia News Network
