Korea's acting community bids final farewell to beloved actor Lee Soon-jae

SEOUL, November 27 (AJP) - Veteran actors and young aspiring performers bid a final farewell to their beloved teacher and role model Lee Soon-jae, whose passion for acting endured until illness forced him off the stage at age 90. 

The funeral was held at 5:30 a.m. Thursday at Seoul Asan Medical Center, attended by family members, fellow actors, longtime students, and colleagues from across the entertainment industry. 

Jeong Bo-seok, who played Lee’s son in the sitcom “High Kick,” presided over the ceremony before a crowd that filled the 120-seat funeral hall, including students from Gacheon University where Lee taught acting for decades. 

“How I wish this were just a scene from a drama,” said actor Kim Young-chul — often remembered for his kingly roles in historical series — as he recalled how Lee helped him stay grounded in his acting journey. “I’ll miss you dearly. I will never forget you, my dear teacher.”

Actress Ha Ji-won also shared her tribute, remembering Lee as “a true artist” who constantly questioned, challenged, and inspired himself and those around him.

A seven-minute memorial video featured Lee laughing in his signature deep roar when asked whether he enjoyed acting. “What do you think? I’m still acting,” he replied — a line that drew teary smiles from the mourners.

Lee was laid to rest at Eden Paradise in Icheon, Gyeonggi Province.

Born in 1934 in North Hamgyong Province, Lee debuted in 1956 and rose to become a beloved “national actor” through iconic roles in “What Is Love,” “Hur Jun,” and “High Kick.” He was the oldest recipient of last year’s KBS Drama Awards.

Even into his late 80s, Lee remained devoted to the stage, most recently performing in “Waiting for Godot.” The government posthumously awarded him the Geumgwan Order of Cultural Merit on Nov. 25, honoring his lifetime contribution to Korean performing arts.