Korean Actor Lee Soon-jae Dies at 91: 'National TV Dad' Leaves Seven-Decade Legacy

South Korea's oldest working actor, Lee Soon-jae, died early Tuesday morning, November 25, 2025, from pneumonia. He was 91 years old.

The veteran performer's family and his agency, SG Way Entertainment, confirmed his passing. Lee had been struggling with health issues since late 2024, forcing him to withdraw from the theatrical production "Waiting for Waiting for Godot" in October.

From Philosophy Student to Acting Icon

Born in Hoeryong (now North Korea) in 1934, Lee moved to Seoul at age 4 with his family before the Korean War. He graduated from Seoul National University with a philosophy degree but found his calling in theater, debuting with "Beyond the Horizon" in 1956.

Lee joined KBS's first class of recruited actors in 1960, launching a career that would span more than 140 television dramas, numerous films, and countless stage productions. He became a cornerstone of Korean broadcasting from its earliest days.

Career-Defining Performances

The 1991 family drama "What Is Love?" brought Lee national fame, achieving a record 65 percent viewership rating with his portrayal of a stern traditional father. The role earned him the enduring nickname "Daebal's Father."

In the medical historical drama "Hur Jun" (1999), Lee played physician Yoo Ui-tae with commanding presence. But it was the sitcom "High Kick!" (2006-2012) that introduced him to younger generations, where his comedic timing and warmth created a new cultural touchstone.

His final major role came in "Dog Knows Everything," which earned him the Grand Prize at the 2024 KBS Drama Awards. The ceremony was recorded on December 31, 2024, and broadcast on January 11, 2025, following the Jeju Air tragedy. At 90, he became the oldest actor ever to receive the Daesang.

Political Interlude

Lee served one term in the National Assembly from 1992 to 1996 as a member of the Democratic Liberal Party, representing Seoul's Jungnang-gu district. He chose not to seek reelection, returning his focus entirely to acting.

Final Year and Health Decline

Lee's health concerns became public in 2024. He missed the Korea PD Awards in April and withdrew from "Waiting for Waiting for Godot" in October. Despite his frail condition, he attended the KBS Drama Awards ceremony in December, where he gave an emotional acceptance speech reflecting on his seven-decade career.

Outpouring of Tributes

Producer Nah Yung-suk, who worked with Lee on "Grandpas Over Flowers," remembered him as someone who "wanted to stay on stage until the very end". Actor Yoo Yeon-seok, Lee's former student at Sejong University, thanked his mentor for "wonderful acting" that brought "joyful moments".

President Lee Jae Myung called him a "great star" who brought "laughter, emotion, comfort and courage" to the nation.

Legacy

Lee's funeral is scheduled for November 27 at Asan Medical Center, with burial at Icheon Eden Memorial Park. He is survived by his wife and two children.

Lee Soon-jae remained committed to teaching throughout his career, serving as a professor at Gachon University's Department of Acting Arts. His dedication to mentoring younger actors and his refusal to slow down well into his 90s cemented his status as a beloved national figure.

From the birth of Korean television to the global Korean Wave, Lee's career embodied the industry's evolution. He worked until his final months, leaving behind a body of work that will define Korean entertainment history for generations.