K-ent National Treasure Veteran Actor Lee Soon Jae Passes Away at 91 Years Old
Ever since veteran actor Lee Soon Jae hit 85 years old I’ve been dreading this inevitable news. Each year that he kept on working was a joy to behold and a reassurance that he was still able to do what he loved and was so good at. Alas the time has come to say goodbye to South Korea’s national grandpa as the actor passed away on Tuesday at the age of 91 years old. He leaves behind of filmography of over 80 movies and 50 dramas and the love of an entire nation for his warmth onscreen and off. At his passing, he was Korea’s oldest working actor as he still filmed a project last year when he was already 90 years old. I love that in recent years K-dramas posited the afterlife such as in Heavenly Ever After and Hotel Del Luna, and I love to think he’s off enjoying true retirement of the soul and doing all the things he enjoys as he’s earned it. Farewell dearest forever grandpa of my K-drama heart.
I feel tremendous sadness in me now. He has always been my favourite veteran since Hur Jun, then Lee San, Wind of the Palace. In both dramas his acting touch me alot.
RIP. He’s a familiar face in many Kdrama classics.
Sad news indeed. The favorite grandpa in kdramas. He’s starred in a lot but the most memorable for me is his variety show Grandpas over Flowers. RIP
Sad news but expected considering his age😢 Won his first Daesang last year at 90 (way overdue win) and it was such an emotional moment for him and the audience. Lee Soon Jae was a dedicated actor and an exemplary role model for his juniors. He will always be that sweet grandpa/할아버지 in my heart (and the hearts of many K-dramas watchers). RIP🙏
I remember his roles vividly in King2Hearts and Money Flower. Always wanted to watch Grandpas Over Flowers and Dog Knows Everything but it’s not available anywhere legally in my region. Now I might just have to watch Family: The Unbreakable Bond to say goodbye.
He was from the northern part of Korea (now North Korea) and I find it haunting to imagine that the country and people you knew from childhood split and morphed drastically into two opposing world views. May he rest in peace.
He was such cheerful soul when I saw him guesting on Master in The House. May he rest in peace
One of the best Korean grandpa characters among many in Korean dramas. He will be missed.
he will be missed..may his soul rest in peace