A national icon passes on
Veteran South Korean actor Lee Soon-jae died on 25 November 2025 at the age of 91, his family and agency confirmed. Long celebrated as the country’s “national TV dad,” Lee remained active in the entertainment industry almost until the end — an unusual feat for an actor of his generation.
Roots: From student of philosophy to stage debut
Born in 1934 in Hoeryong (now in North Korea), Lee moved with his family to Seoul as a child before the Korean War. He studied philosophy at Seoul National University, but was drawn to acting. In 1956 he made his stage debut — and by 1960 he had become part of the first cohort of actors recruited by KBS, helping shape the early days of Korean television.
Over the course of a career spanning almost 70 years, he appeared in around 140 television dramas — as well as films and theatre productions — becoming a familiar face across generations.
Roles that defined him — from stern patriarch to beloved grandpa
Lee’s early fame soared with the 1991–1992 family drama What on Earth Is Love?, in which he portrayed a strict, traditional father. The show’s massive popularity cemented his image as the archetypal “TV dad.”
But he didn’t stay typecast. In his later years, Lee reinvented himself for younger audiences through comedy — notably in the sitcom High Kick!. His turn as a quirky, comedic grandfather endeared him to a new generation.
He also embraced reality television: on the travel-show Grandpas Over Flowers, Lee’s vitality and charm defied expectations for his age, earning him renewed admiration.
Late-career milestone: Still winning awards at 90
Even in his 90s, Lee stayed professionally active. His final major screen role was in the drama Dog Knows Everything, which aired in 2024. At the 2024 KBS Drama Awards he won the Grand Prize (Daesang) — becoming the oldest actor ever to receive the network’s top acting honour.
Life beyond acting: public service and mentorship
Lee also ventured into politics, serving a term in the National Assembly between 1992 and 1996 — though acting remained his true calling. Beyond performance, he taught acting at university level, and remained a mentor for younger actors, bridging past and present generations of Korean entertainment.
Response and legacy: A nation mourns
News of his death sparked a wave of tributes from fans, colleagues and political figures alike. Lee Jae‑myung, President of South Korea, honoured Lee as “a great star who brought laughter, emotion, comfort and courage” across generations.
For nearly 70 years, Lee Soon-jae was more than a performer — he was a cultural institution. He shaped the contours of Korean drama, embodied the evolving face of television for decades, and proved that age need not limit creativity or relevance.
His passing closes a remarkable chapter in Korean entertainment, but the characters he brought to life — from stern fathers to comedic grandpas — will continue to live on in the memories of millions.
