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Manila Bulletin devider Entertainment devider Celebrities devider Beloved Korean actor Lee Soon-jae dies at 91

Beloved Korean actor Lee Soon-jae dies at 91

Published Nov 25, 2025 09:35 am
Lee Soon-jae in "High Kick Through the Roof" (MBC)
Lee Soon-jae in "High Kick Through the Roof" (MBC)

Korean actor and former politician Lee Soon-jae, known for the comedy series “High Kick Through the Roof,” passed away on Nov. 25. He was 91. 

Lee Soon-jae was considered the oldest active actor in South Korea. He debuted as an actor in the play “Beyond the Horizon” in 1956 and appeared in more than 140 works, Korean media reported.

He died just days after turning 91 last Nov. 16. Rumors of his health problems surfaced last year. He canceled his theater activities and took time off to rest. 

He was born in 1934 in Hoeryong, North Hamgyong Province, now a part of North Korea. 

His acting credits include “Dog Knows Everything," "Family: The Unbreakable Bond," "The Red Sleeve," "Do Do Sol Sol La La Sol," "Queen Seondeok," "Flames of Desire," and "Grandpas Over Flowers." 

Lee Soon-jae in the drama
Lee Soon-jae in the drama "Family: The Unbreakable Bond" (tvN)
Lee Soon-jae during the table read for the drama
Lee Soon-jae during the table read for the drama "Family: The Unbreakable Bond" (tvN)
Lee Soon-jae in the drama
Lee Soon-jae in the drama "Family: The Unbreakable Bond" (tvN)
Lee Soon-jae in the drama
Lee Soon-jae in the drama "Family: The Unbreakable Bond" (tvN)
Lee Soon-jae in
Lee Soon-jae in "High Kick Through the Roof" (MBC)
Lee Soon-jae during the table read for the drama
Lee Soon-jae during the table read for the drama "Family: The Unbreakable Bond" (tvN)

Lee Soon-jae also dabbled in politics, becoming elected as a representative in the 14th National Assembly in 1992 and served until 1996. 

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung paid tribute to Lee Soon-jae, a recipient of the government’s Eungwan Order of Cultural Merit. 

"I express my deepest condolences on the passing of our nation's beloved actor, Lee Soon-jae. He dedicated his life to acting and elevated the quality of Korean culture and arts. Through theater, film, and television, he brought us laughter, emotion, comfort, and courage,” said Lee. 

He added, "As the saying goes, 'Acting is a lifelong companion, capturing the stories of living beings.' For you, acting was a conduit through which you could share your own stories with the world and convey the essence of human existence. Your philosophy on acting, your attitude as an actor, and your genuine character as a mature adult served as a role model for countless juniors, and ultimately resonated deeply with us all."

"The works and messages you left behind will be passed down as a precious cultural heritage of the Republic of Korea. We will long remember you, a beloved artist and national actor across all generations. Your expression and voice are still vivid. May you rest in peace, sir,” he said.

His wake is at the Asan Medical Center Funeral Home in Seoul, and the funeral will be held on Nov. 27. 

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