A Hall Filled with 120 Seats... A Farewell Ceremony Joined by Students, Juniors, and Colleagues
Kim Youngchul and Ha Jiwon: "You Are an Eternal Mentor"
On the 27th, the funeral ceremony for actor Lee Soon-jae is being held at the funeral hall of Seoul Asan Medical Center in Songpa-gu, Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News
At 5:30 a.m. on the 27th, the funeral hall of Asan Medical Center in Songpa-gu, Seoul was filled to its capacity of 120 seats for the funeral ceremony of the late actor Lee Soonjae. The bereaved family, former Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Yoo Inchon, junior actors such as Jung Donghwan and Jung Junha, and students whom the deceased had cherished during his lifetime, all attended. Even after the ninety-one flowers-matching the age of the deceased-were laid, moments of silent tribute and remembrance continued for some time.
Actor Kim Youngchul delivered the eulogy. With a trembling voice, he began, "If only this morning were a scene from a drama. I feel as if you would get up at the sound of 'Okay, cut' and say, 'Good job.'" He continued, "When I was with you, I never lost my way. Just a glance from you was encouragement to your juniors, telling us we were doing well. I will miss you dearly. I will never forget you."
Actress Ha Jiwon also recalled, "You were a representative actor of Korea and a true artist who never lost your humility in the face of acting." Remembering the comforting words, "Hey, it's still hard for me too," that the late actor offered when she confided her struggles with acting, she concluded her tribute, "I will remember you deeply. I love you. I will always be the president of your fan club."
Actor Kim Youngchul is delivering a eulogy at the funeral ceremony of actor Lee Soonjae held on the 27th at the Seoul Asan Medical Center funeral hall in Songpa-gu, Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News
Actor Jung Boseok, who served as the master of ceremonies, said, "He was a national actor who pioneered the history of acting in the broadcasting and cultural world," and added, "There is not a single actor who has not benefited from being under his umbrella."
After the funeral ceremony, the procession went directly to the burial site at Eden Paradise in Icheon, without stopping at KBS, where a separate memorial space had been prepared.
Born in 1934 in Hoeryeong, North Hamgyong Province, Lee Soonjae made his debut in 1956 with the play "Beyond the Horizon." He remained an "eternal active actor," never leaving the stage for nearly 70 years, including his roles in the 2024 drama "Dog Sound" and the play "Waiting for Godot."
He became known to the public through the drama "Blue Horizon" on Daehan Broadcasting, Korea's first private television station, and started as an exclusive actor at TBC. He appeared in over 100 dramas, moving between terrestrial broadcasters such as KBS and MBC.
In his notable works, he left a deep impression on viewers as "Daebal's father" in the MBC drama "What Is Love (1991)" and as the mentor Yoo Uitae in the historical drama "Hur Jun (1999)."
On the 27th, at the funeral held at Seoul Asan Medical Center in Songpa-gu, Seoul, actors are carrying the late Lee Soon-jae. Photo by Yonhap News.
In the 2000s, he built a friendly image through the MBC sitcom "High Kick" series, and from 2013 to 2018, he showed the dignified image of a lifelong learner on the tvN variety show "Grandpas Over Flowers."
He consistently returned to the theater, where his acting career began, delivering passionate performances in works such as "Henri and Me (2017)," "Death of a Salesman (2017)," and "King Lear (2021)."
Last year, he won the KBS Drama Awards as the oldest recipient in history. At that time, he remarked, "I have received so much help and support from viewers throughout my life."
The late actor passed away on the 25th, and the government posthumously awarded him the Geumgwan Order of Cultural Merit.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
