Veteran actor Lee Soon Jae dies at age 91

South Korean veteran actor Lee Soon Jae passed away this morning.

On November 25, actor Lee Soon Jae's agency and family announced that the actor had passed away at the age of 91. 

Lee Soon Jae started his career in 1956 and has been active until late last year. Last October, he withdrew from a play due to not feeling well. In April, he was also unable to attend the 37th Korea PD Awards to receive an award because of health problems.

Born in 1934, the respected actor also briefly served as a lawmaker for the ruling Democratic Liberal Party after being elected in 1992.

Lee Soon Jae, who was the oldest active Korean actor before he passed away, had a career spanning over six decades and included participation in more than 140 major TV dramas, films, and stage productions.

Lee Soon Jae last starred in the 2024 K-drama Dog Knows Everything with Kim Yong Gun, Ye Soo Jung, Im Chae Moo, Song Ok Sook, and Park Sung Woong. This K-drama gave him the grand prize award at the 2024 KBS Drama Awards. 

The actor was also part of the 2024 film About Family with main leads Kim Yoon Seok, Lee Seung Gi, Kim Sung Ryung, Kang Han Na, Park Soo Young, and Yoon Chae Na. 

Lee Soon Jae's last public appearance was the recording for the KBS Acting Awards, which took place on December 31, 2024. The airing was postponed due to the Jeju Air tragedy at Muan International Airport on December 29.

The renowned actor was best known for leading the works Again My Life, Pegasus Market, The Scholar Who Walks the Night, Flower Grandpa Investigation Unit, King2Hearts, Good Morning, Mr. Zoo: The Missing VIP, Good Morning President, Grandpas over Flowers Season 1-5, and more. 

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Our deepest condolences to Lee Soon Jae’s family, friends, and loved ones. May he rest in peace.