Acceptance Speech at the 2025 Korea Popular Culture and Arts Awards Ceremony
Well-wishes for the recovery of veteran actor Lee Soonjae (90) were expressed during the ceremony where fellow actor Jung Donghwan (76) received an order of cultural merit.
On the 23rd, at the "2025 Korea Popular Culture and Arts Awards" ceremony held at the National Theater of Korea, Haeoreum Theater, in Jangchung-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul, actor Jung Donghwan was awarded the Bogwan Order of Cultural Merit.
During his acceptance speech, Jung Donghwan mentioned Lee Soonjae. He said, "There is someone who has always encouraged me, never missing a single one of my seven-and-a-half-hour plays. But today, he could not be here. I understand his health is not well," adding, "That person is Lee Soonjae. I sincerely hope for his recovery." It is reported that a moment of silence followed Jung Donghwan's words, and he continued his speech with tears in his eyes.
Lee Soonjae, the oldest active actor, made history last year by becoming the oldest recipient of the Grand Prize at the "KBS Drama Awards." Since then, he has effectively halted his activities, leading to concerns about his health. During the filming of the drama "Gaesori" last year, Lee Soonjae temporarily suspended filming due to deteriorating health. He also appeared as Estragon in the premiere of the play "Waiting for Godot... Waiting," but withdrew due to health issues.
At the time, his agency denied rumors of severe health decline, stating, "He is currently focusing on rehabilitation therapy due to weakness in his legs, and once his mobility improves, we will consider appearances in films or documentaries."
Actor Jung Donghwan is posing at the red carpet event of the "2025 Korea Popular Culture and Arts Awards Ceremony" held on the afternoon of the 23rd at the National Theater of Korea, Haeoreum Theater, Jung-gu, Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News
Lee Soonjae made his debut in 1956 with the drama "Will I Also Become Human?" and has continued his career for nearly 70 years, appearing in numerous masterpieces such as "Heo Jun," "Yi San," "High Kick Without Hesitation," and "The Red Sleeve."
Jung Donghwan also paid tribute to the late comedian Jeon Yuseong, who passed away on the 25th of last month, saying, "It breaks my heart that my friend, with whom I performed in plays long ago, is not here today."
Meanwhile, marking its 16th year, the Korea Popular Culture and Arts Awards is a government honor in the field of popular culture and arts. It was established to recognize and encourage the efforts and achievements of popular culture and arts professionals-including singers, actors, comedians, voice actors, as well as broadcast writers, directors, and producers-and to elevate the social status and creative motivation of popular culture artists.
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