As South Korea's oldest active actor, Lee Soon-jae, faces health rumors due to his absence from award ceremonies, many, including junior actors who have collaborated with him, wish for his complete recovery and health.
The health rumors regarding actor Lee Soon-jae, born in 1935, first surfaced last October. At that time, while actively appearing in KBS2's Wednesday-Thursday drama "Dog Barking," he was reported to need a three-month break due to health issues, as per his doctor's opinion, causing a significant shock when he withdrew from the play "Waiting for Godot." It was also reported that he had health issues during the filming of "Dog Barking," leading the public to express their heartfelt support for Lee Soon-jae's swift recovery.
Empowered by the support, Lee Soon-jae rose again and received the grand prize at the "2024 KBS Acting Awards." Although there were moments captured of him being assisted onto the stage to accept the Best Couple award and the grand prize, his acceptance speech after receiving the award was deeply moving as he said, "Having lived long, there are days like this," and "To the viewers, I have relied on you greatly throughout my life and received much help. Thank you."
After attending the "2024 KBS Acting Awards" and concentrating on his health recovery, Lee Soon-jae won the Best Performer award in the actor category at the 37th Korean PD Awards but was unable to attend in person. Particularly, the representative of his agency, Lee Seung-hee, who accepted the award on his behalf, reported, "The teacher was unable to attend due to feeling a bit unwell," and "He is a bit sick. He requires encouragement and support from many people," raising concerns about his health.
However, according to OSEN's confirmation, the reason for Lee Soon-jae's absence from the ceremony was not that his health had greatly deteriorated again. A close aide to Lee Soon-jae stated through OSEN, "His health has improved a lot," and explained, "Given his age, he is experiencing weakness in his legs, making it difficult for him to move around, and although he needs assistance from people, he does not wish to rely on others, which is why he opted for proxy acceptance." Overall, his health has improved, but discomfort in movement due to aging was the main reason for his absence from the award ceremony.
As it is known that Lee Soon-jae is focusing on his health recovery, warm support from junior members of the entertainment industry continues.
Actor Jung Bo-seok released photos from an advertising shoot alongside the cast of "High Kick Through the Roof" on social media on the 14th, announcing their warm reunion and writing, "I hope Teacher Lee Soon-jae recovers quickly." Lee Soon-jae and Jung Bo-seok collaborated as father-in-law and son-in-law in "High Kick Through the Roof."
Although there is some discomfort in movement, the news that his overall health is improving, and public and colleagues' support continues to be strong for Lee Soon-jae, who has surpassed 60 years since his debut and remains active. Amid the countless support messages, many hope that Lee Soon-jae will quickly return to a healthy state and continue his vibrant activities while writing the history of "the eternal active veteran."
[Photo] Broadcasting Company
[OSEN]