The South Korean entertainment industry came together Thursday to bid farewell to one of its most beloved figures, as veteran actor Lee Soon-jae was laid to rest following a deeply emotional funeral service. The ceremony, held at Seoul Asan Medical Center, brought together dozens of fellow actors, directors, and industry professionals who gathered to honor the 91-year-old acting legend's remarkable seven-decade career and lasting impact on Korean cinema and television.
The service was marked by heartfelt tributes and tears from colleagues who worked alongside Lee throughout his extraordinary career. Actor Kim Yeong-cheol delivered one of the most moving speeches of the day, his voice breaking with emotion as he struggled to come to terms with the loss. "I wish this was just a scene from a drama where he would get up upon hearing 'cut' and say, 'Good job everyone; that was great,'" Kim said, capturing the surreal feeling many attendees shared about losing such an iconic presence.
Kim continued his tribute by reflecting on Lee's profound influence on those around him, describing the veteran actor's natural ability to inspire and guide younger performers. "We all knew where we stood when we were near him. Every look he gave us was a sign of support," he explained to the packed auditorium. "We will miss him dearly. I will never forget him, and cannot forget him," he added, his words resonating with the many actors who had benefited from Lee's mentorship over the years.
Actress Ha Ji-won also took the stage to share her personal memories of working with Lee, painting a picture of an artist who never lost his curiosity or humility despite his legendary status. She remembered him as "a true artist who was always humble about his craft and never stopped asking questions," emphasizing how Lee continued to grow and learn throughout his career. Ha Ji-won shared a particularly touching anecdote about confiding in Lee about the increasing challenges of acting as she grew older, to which the veteran actor had responded with characteristic warmth and honesty: "Hey, it is difficult for me too."
The ceremony was emceed by actor Jeong Bo-seok, who spoke about Lee's unparalleled influence on Korean acting. "The nation's actor who pioneered Korean acting history," Jeong declared, noting that there was hardly an actor in South Korea who had not been influenced by Lee's work and approach to the craft. This sentiment was echoed throughout the service, with speaker after speaker acknowledging how Lee had shaped not just individual careers but the entire landscape of Korean entertainment.
A memorial video played during the service provided attendees with one final glimpse of Lee's passion for his craft. In the footage, when asked whether he enjoyed acting, Lee had laughed with the genuine joy that characterized his approach to life and work, simply replying, "That is why I'm still doing it." This response perfectly encapsulated the dedication that kept him active in the industry until late last year, continuing to take on roles well into his nineties.
Lee Soon-jae's life story reads like a chapter from Korean history itself. Born in 1934 in Hoeryong, located in what is now North Korea, Lee moved to Seoul at the tender age of four, before the devastating Korean War that would divide the peninsula. His acting journey began during his university years at Seoul National University, where he discovered his passion for performance and made his professional debut with the play "Beyond the Horizon" in 1956.
Throughout his remarkable career, Lee became a household name across multiple generations of Korean audiences, seamlessly transitioning between different mediums and genres. His versatility was legendary, with memorable performances spanning television dramas, beloved sitcoms, and historical period pieces. This range and consistency earned him recognition not just as an entertainer, but as a cultural icon who helped shape the Korean entertainment industry's evolution over nearly seven decades.
In recognition of his extraordinary contributions to Korean arts and culture, Culture Minister Chae Hwi-young posthumously awarded Lee the Geumgwan Order of Cultural Merit, the highest honor South Korea bestows upon those who have made exceptional contributions to the nation's cultural landscape. The minister personally delivered the award to Lee's family during the funeral service, acknowledging the immeasurable impact the actor had on Korean society and its cultural identity.
Following the emotional ceremony at Seoul Asan Medical Center, Lee Soon-jae was laid to rest at a memorial park in Icheon, Gyeonggi Province, where family members, close friends, and industry colleagues gathered for a final farewell. The burial marked the end of an era in Korean entertainment, as the industry said goodbye to one of its most enduring and influential figures, whose legacy will continue to inspire future generations of performers and entertainers.
