The South Korean entertainment community gathered on Thursday to bid farewell to legendary actor Lee Soon-jae at an emotional funeral service held at Seoul Asan Medical Center in eastern Seoul. Fellow actors, students, and industry professionals filled the venue to honor the beloved 91-year-old performer, who passed away leaving behind an extraordinary legacy spanning nearly seven decades in Korean theater, television, and film.
Actor Kim Yeong-cheol delivered a deeply moving memorial speech, his voice breaking with emotion as he addressed the packed service. "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, struggling to maintain his composure. He continued, "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 podium to share her memories of working with Lee, describing him as "a true artist who was always humble about his craft and never stopped asking questions." She recalled a particularly meaningful conversation when she had confided in Lee about the increasing challenges of acting over time. "I remembered him comforting me, saying, 'Hey, it is difficult for me too,'" Ha Ji-won shared with the mourners. She concluded her tribute by saying, "I will remember your lesson. I love you."
Jeong Bo-seok, who served as the master of ceremonies for the funeral service, praised Lee as "the nation's actor who pioneered Korean acting history." He emphasized that there was hardly an actor in South Korea who had not been influenced by Lee's work and dedication to the craft. The sentiment was echoed throughout the service as speakers highlighted Lee's role as a mentor and inspiration to countless performers across multiple generations.
During the ceremony, organizers played a memorial video featuring Lee reflecting on his passion for acting. When asked in the video whether he enjoyed acting, the veteran performer laughed and replied with characteristic simplicity, "That is why I'm still doing it." This response captured the essence of Lee's lifelong commitment to his art and his genuine love for performance that sustained him throughout his remarkable career.
The funeral included a touching ritual where attendees laid exactly 91 flowers on Lee's coffin, with each flower representing one year of the actor's life. Among the mourners were many former students whom Lee had taught during his career as an educator, and they paid their respects with a moment of silence to honor their beloved teacher and mentor.
Lee Soon-jae was born in 1934 in Hoeryong, located in what is now North Korea. He moved to Seoul with his family at the tender age of 4, before the outbreak of the Korean War from 1950 to 1953. His journey into acting began during his university years at Seoul National University, where he discovered his passion for performance. Lee made his professional debut in 1956 with the theatrical production "Beyond the Horizon," marking the beginning of what would become one of Korea's most distinguished acting careers.
Throughout his extraordinary career, Lee remained remarkably active in the entertainment industry until late last year, earning recognition and admiration across multiple generations of viewers. His versatility as a performer was evident in his diverse body of work, which spanned from contemporary dramas and popular sitcoms to historical period pieces, showcasing his remarkable range and adaptability as an actor.
In December, Lee achieved a historic milestone by becoming the oldest recipient of the Grand Prize at the 2024 KBS Drama Awards for his outstanding performance in the television series "Dog Knows Everything." This recognition served as a testament to his enduring talent and continued relevance in the rapidly evolving entertainment landscape. At the awards ceremony, which would prove to be his final official public appearance, Lee delivered an emotional acceptance speech that resonated deeply with the audience, saying, "I've been deeply indebted to the viewers for my whole life."
In recognition of Lee's immense contribution to South Korea's arts and cultural industry, Culture Minister Chae Hwi-young made a special announcement on Tuesday. The minister posthumously conferred the Geumgwan Order of Cultural Merit upon Lee, which represents the highest class of South Korean cultural decoration. The prestigious award was subsequently delivered to Lee's family members, acknowledging his lifelong dedication to advancing Korean culture and entertainment on both national and international stages.
