Jung Dong-hwan: "He could not come today"… touching story about Lee Soon-jae amid health concerns
Warm support has poured in with regret after actor Jung Dong-hwan's heartfelt remarks about veteran actor Lee Soon-jae, who has stopped working because of worsening health.
At the 2025 Korea Popular Culture and Arts Awards ceremony held on the 23rd at the Haeoreum Theater of the National Theater in Jangchung-dong, Seoul, Jung Dong-hwan, who received the Bogwan Cultural Medal, paused during his acceptance speech, took a deep breath and carefully mentioned Lee Soon-jae's name.
He said, "I do a lot of long, not very entertaining plays; there was even a 7-and-a-half-hour piece," and added, "There was someone who came every time without missing a single performance to encourage me. But he could not come today," conveying both his gratitude and his sadness.
Jung Dong-hwan said, "I understand that his health is not good right now. It is Lee Soon-jae," and added, "I sincerely hope he recovers his health," leaving the audience solemn.
The remark touched the public who had been waiting for news about Lee Soon-jae even more deeply. Earlier, Lee Soon-jae had been cast in the premiere of the play Waiting for Godot as Esther last year but withdrew due to health issues and went on a three-month break. He later shared an update after winning the Grand Prize at the KBS Drama Awards, but his absence from the Korea PD Awards ceremony in April this year over health reasons once again sparked rumors.
At the time, his agency said, "Lee Soon-jae's health has improved a lot, but he has difficulty moving and needs support," and "we are avoiding strenuous schedules." However, because he turned 90 this year (born in 1934), fans' concerns continue.
After Jung Dong-hwan's remarks, online communities and social media have been filled with messages of support and consolation such as "I cried at Lee Soon-jae's touching story," "Jung Dong-hwan's words were so warm," "Please recover your health," and "A person who acted all his life; I want to see him on stage for a long time."
The strong friendship between the two veteran actors who symbolize Korea's theater and broadcasting worlds resonated across generations.
[Photo] OSEN DB
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