The Korean entertainment industry gathered in grief on Thursday as they bid farewell to Lee Soon-jae, one of the nation's most beloved and respected actors, during a funeral service held at Seoul Asan Medical Center in eastern Seoul. The ceremony brought together countless fellow actors, students, and industry professionals who came to honor the 91-year-old veteran performer who had dedicated his entire life to the craft of acting.
Actor Kim Yeong-cheol delivered one of the most emotional memorial speeches of the day, his voice breaking as he struggled to accept the reality of losing his respected colleague. "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, expressing the collective wish that this farewell was merely part of a performance. He continued his heartfelt tribute by reflecting on Lee's mentorship and guidance: "We all knew where we stood when we were near him. Every look he gave us was a sign of support. We will miss him dearly. I will never forget him, and cannot forget him."
Actress Ha Ji-won also took the stage to share her personal memories of the legendary actor, describing him as "a true artist who was always humble about his craft and never stopped asking questions." She recounted a particularly meaningful conversation they had shared, where she had confided in Lee about the increasing challenges she faced in her acting career. Ha Ji-won remembered how Lee had comforted her with his characteristic humility, telling her, "Hey, it is difficult for me too." She concluded her speech with deep affection, saying, "I will remember your lesson. I love you."
Jeong Bo-seok, who served as the emcee for the funeral service, spoke about Lee's immeasurable impact on Korean cinema and theater, calling him "the nation's actor who pioneered Korean acting history." Jeong emphasized that there was hardly an actor in Korea who had not been influenced by Lee's work and dedication to the craft. The sentiment was echoed throughout the packed ceremony, which drew attendees from across generations of Korean entertainment.
A memorial video played during the service captured Lee's enduring passion for acting, featuring a moment where he was asked whether he enjoyed his profession. With his characteristic warmth and humor, Lee laughed and replied, "That is why I'm still doing it." This simple yet profound response perfectly encapsulated the dedication that had driven him throughout his remarkable seven-decade career.
The funeral ceremony included a deeply symbolic tribute where attendees laid 91 flowers on Lee's coffin, with each flower representing one year of his extraordinary life. Among the mourners were many former students he had taught and mentored throughout his career, some of whom paid their respects with a moment of silence, demonstrating the lasting impact he had made not just as a performer but as an educator and guide for future generations of actors.
Lee Soon-jae's life story began in 1934 when he was born in Hoeryong, in what is now North Korea. At the young age of 4, he moved to Seoul with his family before the outbreak of the Korean War from 1950 to 1953. His journey into acting began during his time at Seoul National University, where he discovered his passion for performance. He made his professional debut in 1956 with the play "Beyond the Horizon," marking the beginning of what would become one of the most distinguished careers in Korean entertainment history.
Throughout his remarkable career, Lee remained actively involved in acting until late last year, earning recognition and admiration across multiple generations of audiences. His versatility as a performer was evident in his diverse body of work, which spanned dramatic roles, sitcoms, and period pieces, showcasing his ability to adapt and excel in various genres and formats.
In December, Lee achieved a historic milestone when he became the oldest recipient of the Grand Prize at the 2024 KBS Drama Awards for his outstanding performance in "Dog Knows Everything." This achievement not only highlighted his continued excellence in acting but also demonstrated his unwavering commitment to his craft well into his 90s. The award ceremony proved to be his final official public appearance, where he delivered what would become his last public speech.
During that emotional acceptance speech at the KBS Drama Awards, Lee expressed his deep gratitude to the audiences who had supported him throughout his long career, saying, "I've been deeply indebted to the viewers for my whole life." These words now serve as a poignant reminder of his humility and appreciation for the connection he had built with Korean audiences over seven decades of performance.
In recognition of his extraordinary lifelong contribution to Korea's arts and cultural industry, Culture Minister Chae Hwi-young announced on Tuesday the posthumous conferral of the Geumgwan Order of Cultural Merit upon Lee Soon-jae. This honor represents the highest class of South Korean cultural decoration, acknowledging his unparalleled impact on Korean culture and entertainment. The minister personally delivered the award to Lee's family, ensuring that his legacy would be formally recognized at the highest level of government appreciation for cultural achievement.
