At 91 years old, the actor veteran lee soon-jae-the oldest actor active in Korea-is once again in the spotlight, not for a role, but because of growing concern about his falling health.
Lee Soon-Jae at 91: a life dedicated to acting, now shadow by health problems
Born in 1934, Lee has spent more than seven decades on stage and on the screen, becoming a pillar of the Korean acting community. But on April 15, his absence at 37th Korea Pd Awards launched public alarm. Although it had been honored in the category of the actor, Lee was unable to participate due to mobility problems.
Lee Seung-HeeCEO of his agency, accepted the prize on his behalf and delivered an update that makes you think: “Mr. Lee Soon-Jae could not participate due to health problems. He is not going well and needs support and encouragement.”
The emotional announcement quickly fueled online speculation, with fans who fear that the actor’s conditions can be more serious than reported. The agency later clarified that while Lee is not fighting a specific disease, it is experiencing a serious muscle loss, especially in the legs, making walking more and more difficult. Now he is resting and is undergoing rehabilitation to resume strength.
An inheritance built on GRIT: why do Lee’s news soon hit the health of Lee so hard?
While some found comfort in the clarification of the Agency, others have mentioned the age of Lee and the fears of health passed as a reason for continuous concern. In fact, just last year, he had to retire from the theatrical production waiting for Godot due to health problems, suspending all live performances.
His most recent public appearance arrived in January during the 2024 KBS Drama Awards, where he moved the public to tears with an emotional acceptance speech after winning the first prize (Daesang) for his role The dog knows everything.
Lee has long been celebrated for his unshakable dedication to the art of acting. The writer Choi Yeo-Jung once recalled how, during a 2012 performance of The FatherLee suffered an injury on stage, but finished the comedy with only a bandage, which was exploited to disappoint the public.
Even more intensely, in 2008Lee lost his mother during the race of A life at the theater. Yet he insisted, “Do not cancel the show tonight. The stage is a promise with the public, there are no exceptions.” He performed as expected.
Now, the fact that a man who has endured pain and injuries to stay on stage is taking a step back has led many to believe that his current conditions can be serious. However, fans and peers remain confident.
For over 70 years, Lee Soon-Jae has been an imposing figure in Korean entertainment, inspiring generations and leaving a legacy that transcends the screens and phases. While fighting one of the most personal challenges of his life, the nation observes with admiration and waits for the day he could return once again to the spotlight he loves so much.
