President Lee Jae-myung Pays Tribute to Late Acting Legend Lee Soon-jae
Nov 25, 2025
|
On the 25th, President Lee Jae-myung expressed his deep condolences for the death of Lee Soon-jae through his official account.
President Lee said of the deceased, `The teacher, who has devoted his life to acting and enhanced the dignity of Korean culture and art, has provided us with laughter, emotion, comfort, and courage across plays, movies, and broadcasts.'
Like the phrase "'Acting is a life partner that contains the story of a living human being', for the teacher, I think acting was a channel to share the story of our lives with the world and convey the essence of human lifeThe teacher's philosophy about acting, his attitude as an actor, and his personality as a true adult became a model for many juniors and further resonated deeply with all of us," he said.
In the meantime, President Lee said, `The works and messages left by the teacher will be remembered as a valuable cultural heritage of the Republic of Korea.' `I will remember the teacher who was a beloved artist and national actor for all generations," he added.
Finally, President Lee said, `The teacher's expression and voice are still fresh. Rest in peace, please."
Meanwhile, according to the bereaved family on the same day, Lee Soon-jae had been working while maintaining health care until recently, but died on the same day due to his old age. He was 91.
Lee Soon-jae began his acting career with the play 'Over the Horizon' in 1956 and has been the oldest active actor in Korea, meeting audiences through dramas and plays until last year.
In this process, Lee Soon-jae entered his second heyday through MBC 'High Kick' without hesitation, and in 2013, he showed another appearance through tvN 'Grandpas Over Flowers'.
However, since the end of last year, rumors of health abnormalities have been raised, and he was unable to attend the Korean PD Awards held in April due to poor health.
▶ Hereinafter, President Lee Jae-myung's SNS post full text
I wish Lee Soon-jae, the big star of the Korean culture and arts world, to rest in peace
I express my deepest condolences for the death of national actor Lee Soon-jae.
The teacher, who has devoted his life to acting and has enhanced the dignity of Korean culture and art, has given us laughter, emotion, comfort, and courage across plays, movies, and broadcasts.
Like the saying "Acting is a life partner that contains the story of a living human being", for the teacher, I think acting was a channel to share the story of our lives with the world and convey the essence of human life.
The teacher's philosophy of acting, his attitude as an actor, and his personality as a true adult became a model for many juniors and further resonated deeply with all of us.
The works and messages left by the teacher will be delivered as a valuable cultural heritage in Korea. I will remember the teacher who was a beloved artist and national actor across all generations for a long time.
The teacher's expression and voice are still vivid.
Sir, please rest in peace.
anjee85@sportschosun.com
