"Thank You for Everything"... Entertainment Industry Mourns the Passing of 'National Actor' Lee Soon-jae

[Financial News] Tributes continue to pour in from the entertainment industry for the late Lee Soon-jae, the oldest active actor. Lee, a veteran actor and former National Assembly member, passed away early on the 25th.

On the morning of his passing, actor Jeong Bo-seok posted on his Instagram, "Teacher, thank you so much for everything. I learned so much from you—not just about acting, but about life and the attitude of an actor," alongside a photo of Lee Soon-jae with a white rose.
He continued, "You have been a true mentor in my life. Every step you took was the beginning and the history of our broadcast acting industry. I congratulate you on your many achievements, and I am saddened that you had to leave with some dreams unfulfilled."
Jeong Bo-seok added, "I sincerely pray that you find greater peace and happiness wherever you are."
The two actors worked together on dramas such as 'High Kick Through the Roof.'
Taeyeon of Girls' Generation (SNSD) also expressed her condolences.
Taeyeon posted a praying hands emoji and a black-and-white photo on her social media. The photo features Taeyeon, fellow group member Kwon Yu-ri, and Lee Soon-jae posing together.
The photo was taken after Taeyeon and Kwon Yu-ri attended the play 'Grandpa Henri and Me,' which starred Lee Soon-jae.

Model and actor Bae Jung-nam also posted a tribute on Instagram, writing, "My deepest condolences to the late Lee Soon-jae."
Bae Jung-nam wrote, "It was the greatest honor of my life to work with a teacher I deeply respect. Rest in peace, teacher," along with a photo of Lee Soon-jae.
Last year, Bae Jung-nam voiced the dog Sophie in KBS 2TV's 'Dog Knows Everything,' where he worked alongside Lee Soon-jae, who played the lead role.
Radio hosts who learned of Lee's passing while on air also shared their condolences.
Comedian Kim Young-chul, on SBS Power FM's 'Kim Young-chul's PowerFM,' shared the news of Lee's passing, saying, "It feels as if I've lost a family elder. He was greatly respected by his juniors in the entertainment industry."
Singer Tei, on MBC FM4U's 'Good Morning FM with Tei,' responded after a listener informed him of Lee's passing: "He once said he would remain on stage or in front of the camera until the end of his life, so I thought he would continue to be active well past 100. My deepest condolences to the late teacher."
He added, "I believe he is in a better place. I will never forget his lifelong passion and his spirit of never ceasing to take on new challenges."
The late Lee Soon-jae made his debut in 1956 with the play 'Beyond the Horizon.' He went on to appear in dramas such as 'Again and Again,' 'Men of the Bath House,' 'Rustic Period,' 'Land,' 'Hur Jun,' 'The Merchant,' 'Lee San, Wind of the Palace,' 'High Kick!,' 'High Kick Through the Roof,' and 'Dog Knows Everything.' He also graced the stage in plays like 'Salut d'Amour,' 'King Lear,' and 'Waiting for Waiting for Godot.'
Even in his nineties, Lee remained active. Last year, he became the oldest recipient of an acting award in history for his role in KBS 2TV's 'Dog Knows Everything.' He also appeared in the play 'Waiting for Waiting for Godot,' but had to cancel performances due to declining health.
Although everyone hoped for his return to the stage, Lee Soon-jae passed away early this morning at the age of 91.
[email protected] Seo Yoon-kyung Reporter