Lee Soon Jae: from a small role to the iconic "national grandfather" of Korean cinema

Lee Soon Jae – a Korean screen legend – passed away at the age of 91, ending a journey of more than 70 years of artistic dedication. From his initial small roles, he became the "national grandfather" with a series of famous films and left an invaluable legacy for the cinema industry.

Childhood and difficult beginnings

Lee Soon Jae was born in 1934 in North Hamgyong Province, now part of North Korea. When he was only four years old, he and his family moved to Seoul, South Korea. His childhood was associated with historical upheavals, but it was in these difficult circumstances that his passion for art was ignited. In 1956, after being exposed to many films from England, America, and France, he was attracted by the Italian neo-realism school and the commercial-artistic style of Hollywood.

The decision to pursue acting came to him in his second year of university. After watching a play called Hamlet directed by Laurence Olivier, he realized this was the path he wanted to take. Although he did not dare tell his parents for fear of worrying them, Soon Jae secretly nurtured his dream. After graduating, he went to the drama center and asked for a small role in the play Beyond the Horizon. From there, he began a long journey, appearing in nearly 300 stage productions.

Years of hard work

To hone his skills, Lee Soon Jae spent a lot of time watching foreign actors perform and studying books on theater arts. He used to work at a cafe in Myeongdong to make ends meet, earn money and nurture his passion. It was this perseverance that helped him accumulate valuable life experiences and knowledge, which became the foundation for his future career.

In 1961, he officially debuted on the small screen with the KBS drama Should I Become a Human Too. This was the turning point that brought him from the theater stage to the television audience, opening a new and challenging journey.

Sublimate with the TV screen

During the 2000s–2010s, Lee Soon Jae became a familiar face to Asian audiences. He appeared in a series of outstanding projects such as My Girlfriend (2005), Lee San, The Chosun Dynasty (2007), High Kick Through the Roof (2007), Potato Star (2008), Hello, President (2009). In particular, High Kick Through the Roof brought his name to new heights, causing audiences to affectionately call him "the nation's grandfather".

The film was not only successful in Korea but also resonated in many countries, including Vietnam. The image of a strict, humorous, and emotional grandfather left a deep impression on viewers.

Dedicated teacher and supportive family

In addition to acting, Lee Soon Jae is also a professor of film arts at Sejong University and an honorary professor of performing arts at Gachon University. He is passionate about the younger generation, passing on his experience and dedication. In his speeches, he often emphasizes that acting is a journey of continuous learning, even when he has a lot of experience.

He married Choi Hee Jung in 1966 and had two children. Hee Jung, a graduate of the dance department at Ewha Womans University, gave up her artistic dreams to take care of the family and create conditions for her husband to develop his career. She quietly supported him in each role, from studying the script to giving advice on his performance.

Late Awards and Recognition

Despite his impressive career, Lee Soon Jae did not receive his first Daesang – the biggest award at the KBS Drama Awards – for his role in Dog Knows Everything until 2024. On stage, he burst into tears, sharing that "if you live long, there will be days like this".

His speech moved the entire audience. He frankly mentioned the prejudice in awarding prizes, saying that good roles after the age of 60 still deserve to be recognized, not just given lifetime achievement awards. Veteran actress Kim Young Ok also shed tears when recalling this moment, saying that he was finally recognized for his talent.

Last Appearance and Tribute

The 2024 KBS Drama Awards was also his last public appearance before his death. In his speech, he humbly shared the glory with the entire crew, even mentioning his co-star dog Sophie. He thanked the university students who supported the filming schedule, and thanked the audience and KBS for accompanying him throughout his life.

That moment made the whole audience stand up and applaud, many artists shed tears. It was an emotional farewell from a legend to the public.

Heritage and cultural influence

Lee Soon Jae passed away on the morning of November 25, 2025 at the age of 91, ending a journey of more than seven decades of dedication. He left behind an invaluable legacy in both television and theater, inspiring many generations of actors. To the audience, he will forever be the "national grandfather", a symbol of dedication, perseverance and love for art.

His influence extends beyond the screen. Many Korean cultural researchers believe that Lee Soon Jae has contributed to shaping the image of the elderly in television dramas, thereby changing the way society views the role of the older generation. He proves that age is not a barrier, but can become an advantage to bring deep, experienced roles.

Not only an actor, he is also a cultural icon. His roles have helped audiences re-evaluate family values, the connection between generations and the importance of love. The films he participated in often portrayed the image of a grandfather or father with strictness but also full of warmth, becoming an ideal model in popular culture.

Generations of young actors look up to him as a shining example of perseverance and dedication. In interviews, he often said "I only want to die while acting", considering art as the reason for living. It is this spirit that has made him one of the most respected artists in Korea.

His life is a testament to the journey from small roles to great monuments. Lee Soon Jae not only lives in the memories of audiences through films, but also lives in the hearts of those who love art, like a beacon of light for the next generation.