[Photo &] 'Eternal Active', 'Father of the Era' Actor's 69 Years of Life. We pray for the repose of the late Lee Soon-jae.

"How can I remain active as an actor and artist for a long time?" The insights and philosophy gained through his life leave a deep inspiration and resonance for all of us.

"Dear viewers, I have really relied on you and received a lot of help throughout my life. Thank you." The late Lee Soon-jae's acceptance speech at the 2024 KBS Acting Awards.

"The artistic act of acting is endless and has no completion, even if done for a lifetime." The late actor Lee Soon-jae said this in an interview with Yonhap News in 2016, where he burned with passion for acting throughout his life.

He stated, "Acting is a gem that cannot be completed and must be polished over a long time," and showed a constant effort, saying, "An actor must risk their life for the role they are given."

While appearing in the 2018 movie 'Deokgu', he emphasized, "I have appeared in all kinds of movies. I have played leading roles, supporting roles, villains, and even melodrama roles," stating that "the criterion for an actor to choose a work is absolutely the work itself."

In 2008, as a speaker at a lecture held at his alma mater, Seoul National University, he said, "I still think I chose my acting well," adding, "I evaluate myself and earn profits without causing harm to others. Also, there is no retirement age," leaving a cheerful remark.

He emphasized several times, "Actors must make efforts to break through and rise to a higher level to leap to a global standard," stating, "It's not about always looking neat and stylish; an actor is someone who constantly transforms for their role."

He was elected as a member of the 14th National Assembly in 1992 and briefly entered politics, but he recalled his political experience, stating that his 'political' life was not happy. "I was never happy during my 8 years in politics. I thought my path was 'acting.' I had nothing but 'acting,'" he reflected. His remarks suggest that he found his true passion between politics and art. On December 31 of last year, he received the grand prize at the KBS Acting Awards, expressing his emotions, saying, "As I have lived long, such a day comes," and added, "I want to say to the viewers watching that I have relied on you and received a lot of help throughout my life," leaving a deep resonance.

〈Life and Major Achievements of Lee Soon-jae〉

Born in 1934 in Hoeryong, North Hamgyong Province, he moved to Seoul during his childhood. After graduating from Seoul National University with a degree in Philosophy, he began his acting career in 1956 with the play 〈Beyond the Horizon〉.

He appeared in over 140 dramas, establishing a significant pillar in the history of Korean acting while transitioning between broadcasting, film, and theater. In particular, he rose to national fame by playing the role of 'Daebal's father' in the drama 〈What is Love〉(1991-1992), creating a nationwide syndrome.

Even during the heyday of historical dramas, his presence was solid. He played pivotal roles in major works such as [Heo Jun], [Sangdo], and [Yi San], showcasing his heavy acting skills and enhancing the genre's credibility.

Alongside his acting career, he was elected as a member of the 14th National Assembly (Democratic Liberal Party) in 1992 and briefly engaged in politics. He later expanded his field as an educator, serving as a chair professor in the Department of Acting Arts at Gachon University, dedicating himself to nurturing future generations.

Despite his advanced age, he continued his active career on the theater stage until the end. He even challenged directing, showing his 'unending passion' and walked the path of a craftsman rarely seen in the Korean theater and drama scene.