Lee Soon-jae (born 1934) is a legendary figure of кσяєαn film and television, with more than 70 years of dedication to the industry. He graduated from Seoul National University with a degree in Philosophy, and decided to pursue acting after watching Laurence Olivier’s performance in Hamlet. In 1965, he made his debut as a stage actor and became the first exclusive actor of a кσяєαn broadcasting station.
Throughout his seven-decade career, he appeared in over 140 works, including multiple masterpieces: What’s Love? achieved a viewership rating of 65%, while Heojun, Sangdo, and Lee San, Wind of the Palace helped usher in a golden era for historical dramas in кσяєα. In particular, his role as the “grandfather” in the нιт sitcom Unstoppable High Kick! propelled his popularity across Asia, making him one of the most beloved grandfather figures on television.
In 2024, he set a record as the oldest actor to win the Daesang at the KBS Drama Awards. On stage, he delivered a heartfelt message that moved au∂ιєnces: “I want to say to the viewers who are watching that I have been indebted to you all my life and have received a lot of help”.
On November 25, кσяєαn media ѕнσ¢кed the public with the news that the “nation’s grandfather,” Lee Soon-jae, had pαѕѕed away at the age of 91 after a long period of declining health. His agency confirmed the report, and his family is currently arranging the funeral.
Since October last year, he had suspended his activities due to health problems. He experienced mobility difficulties and underwent rehabilitation, yet none of this stopped the professor from maintaining his pαѕѕion for the arts. Even after stepping away from acting, he continued teaching and guiding young actors with great dedication.
As for BTS, although they did not have many opportunities to work directly with the late actor, the group once received praise from him and appeared at the same major event — the 2018 кσяєαn Popular Culture and Arts Awards. At that ceremony, Lee Soon-jae received the Eungwan (Silver Crown), reserved for veteran artists with decades of influential contributions, while BTS was awarded the Hwagwan (Flower Crown) for their global cultural impact.
In December that same year, the “nation’s grandfather” expressed his admiration for the global K-pop idols during an acting lecture, emphasizing the importance of proper pronunciation in delivering lines. He said: “BTS recently played a big role in spreading our language. αмєяι¢αn children are now holding up [signs written in] our language and cheering. кσяєαns used to do that, but now everyone is holding up [signs written in] our language.”
His words of praise were undoubtedly a great encouragement to BTS, who continue to elevate кσяєα’s cultural presence worldwide through their music. Fans believe that, like many кσяєαns, the members of BTS grew up watching Lee Soon-jae and regarded him as a cultural and artistic icon whom they deeply respected and admired.
With 70 years devoted to culture and the arts, his pαѕѕing leaves a profound sense of loss. In his tribute to the late actor, President Lee Jae-myung wrote: “The works and messages you left behind will be pαѕѕed down as South кσяєα’s precious cultural heritage. We will long remember you as an artist and national actor loved by all generations. Your expressions and voice remain vivid. May you rest in peace, Mr. Lee.”
ARMYs are also expressing their deep condolences across social media at the loss of this legendary figure:
- What an icon. Rest in peace, Grandpa Lee Soon Jae
- The pαѕѕing of Lee Soon-jae leaves a deep void in кσяєαn culture, and BTS — like so many who grew up watching him — continue to carry forward the legacy of storytelling he championed.
- He's a teacher, mentor and model for many, including BTS. An amazing talented veteran actor. May he rest in peace and easy
- He was a living legend. We ℓσѕт a legend today
- BTS once stood alongside him on one of their most meaningful milestones, connected across generations by shared pride in кσяєαn culture.
- Thank you sincerely for the legacy you’ve left behind. BTS will never forget your words of praise and will continue to hold them as a guiding light. May you rest in peace.
- At 90 years old, he won Daesang at the 2024 KBS Drama Awards and became the oldest actor who have ever won it. Rest in peace, Mr. Lee Soon Jae.
- Everyone's grandpa... May he rest in peace
- RIP, I wish he could have went on a couple more trips with the Grandpa Over Flowers crew. It was a show I truly enjoyed.
- Worked hard until the very end. Your legacy will live on. May you rest in peace
- Everyone’s kdrama grandpa…we will miss him.
