Lee Soon-jae’s Final Award Speech Gains New Meaning in Wake of His Death
Nov 25, 2025
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The late Lee Soon-jae became the oldest winner of the Grand Prize at the 2024 KBS Acting Awards held in January. In October last year, it was three months after the play 'Waiting for Godot' was suspended due to health problems while on stage. Lee Soon-jae, who embraced the first grand prize through the KBS2 drama 『GaeSori』, was helped on stage by his juniors and expressed his feelings.
Lee Soon-jae said, "There are days like this in my long life""Until now, the grand prize has been received by Admiral Yi Sun-shin and historical figures. I can give it to you. A grandmother like Catherine Hepburn of the U.S. rode once in her 30s and three times after her 60s. If it's us, it's all merit awards. Even if you're 60 years old, if you do well, you'll be rewarded. It's not an achievement award. You have to evaluate acting as acting. You shouldn't evaluate it on popularity or any other terms" left a bitter note.
Lee Soon-jae passed away early on the 25th. Even at an old age, Lee Soon-jae has been actively engaged in acting by appearing in broadcasts, movies, and plays, and until recently, he has burned his passion for acting by appearing in plays 'Waiting for Godot' and KBS2's Gaesori'.
lunamoon@sportschosun.com
