South Korea mourns the loss of one of its most cherished cultural icons. Lee Soon-jae, widely regarded as the “Grandfather of Korean Television,” passed away peacefully on November 25, 2025, at the age of 91. With his departure, an era of Korean entertainment spanning nearly seven decades quietly comes to an end.
Born in November 1934 in Hoeryong, present-day North Korea, Lee moved to Seoul with his family after the country’s division.
While studying philosophy at Seoul National University, he witnessed a stage performance of Hamlet that ignited his lifelong passion for acting a defining moment that shaped the trajectory of Korean performing arts.
Lee made his formal stage debut in 1956 and went on to build one of the longest and most respected careers in Korean entertainment.
Over his lifetime, he appeared in over 140 television dramas, numerous films, and countless theatre productions. From commanding historical roles to warm, grandfatherly characters, from serious dramas to beloved comedies like “High Kick!” Lee’s versatility and skill captivated audiences of all generations.
During the 1970s and 1980s, he became a household name through historical and family dramas, helping define the golden age of Korean broadcasting.
In 1992, Lee ventured into public service and was elected to the National Assembly, but he never abandoned his craft and returned to acting with renewed vigor after completing his term.
Even in his late 80s, Lee enjoyed a remarkable second wave of popularity. His comic roles in hit sitcoms and appearances on reality shows like “Grandpas Over Flowers” (2013–2018), introduced him to a younger generation, proving that his talent and charisma transcended age.
In 2024, at 89, he made history by winning the Grand Prize at the KBS Drama Awards for his role in the drama “GaeSori (Dog Knows Everything),” becoming the oldest actor ever to receive the honor.
He had also been scheduled to perform in the theatre production Waiting for Godot, but withdrew due to declining health.
Lee Soon-jae’s passing triggered an outpouring of grief nationwide. From the early hours of November 25, the atmosphere around Asan Medical Center in Seoul was thick with sorrow.
Fans queued in long lines, holding photographs, whispering final goodbyes, and shedding tears for the man who had been a part of their lives for generations. His funeral prayers were conducted with full honors, and he was laid to rest on November 27 at Eden Paradise in Icheon, Gyeonggi Province.
The funeral drew South Korea’s biggest names in entertainment and public life, including Lee Seung-gi, Choi Hyun Wook, Kim Young Ok, Youn Yuh-jung, Park Sung-woong, and Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon. Many senior actors were openly weeping, leaning on one another for support.
while younger performers bowed in silent tribute to their mentor and the father figure of Korean acting. Broadcasters paused regular programming to air tributes, and social media overflowed with condolences, memories, and heartfelt farewells.
The South Korean government posthumously awarded Lee the Geumgwan Order of Cultural Merit, the nation’s highest cultural honor, recognizing his unparalleled contributions to arts and culture.
Fellow actors described him as “a walking history of Korean entertainment,” “a mentor who taught discipline and humility,” and “a father figure to the entire industry.”
Lee Soon-jae was not merely an actor, he was a living institution, a bridge connecting generations, and a symbol of authenticity, persistence, and artistic integrity.
He witnessed and shaped Korean entertainment from its earliest days to its global rise. His characters, stories, and the lives he touched ensure that while the man may be gone, his legacy will endure forever.
South Korea did not merely lose an actor that day it lost a piece of its soul.
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