Actor Jeong Dong-hwan mentioned Lee Sun-jae, who has been beset by "health speculation."
On the afternoon of the 23rd, the 2025 Korea Popular Culture and Arts Awards ceremony was held at the Haeoreum Theater of the National Theater in Jangchung-dong, Seoul.
Now in its 16th year, the Popular Culture and Arts Awards is the government's highest honor in the field of popular culture and the arts, established to raise the social status and creative motivation of popular culture and arts figures and to honor those who have contributed to the development of the popular culture and arts industry.
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST) conducted a public nomination of candidates to the public via the Korea Creative Content Agency website from April to select awardees in the broadcasting, music, film and performance fields. Afterwards, a screening committee composed of experts in related fields reviewed the period and degree of public service and the level of social contribution to select the recipients of honors and awards.
At the event, the Bogwan Cultural Medal was awarded to actors Lee Byung-hun and Jeong Dong-hwan. On stage, Jeong Dong-hwan, after a long pause and hesitance while giving his remarks, mentioned the late Yoo Seong by saying, "My friend. Also, a comedian and gagman with whom I acted a long time ago."
He added, "My heart aches that that friend is not here today," and remembered the late figure, saying, "In fact, in 1965, on this very day, Oct. 23, he was a friend who stood on stage with me. But that friend went a little earlier, and I am still here receiving this award."
He drew attention when he said, "Another painful thing is that I strangely do a lot of long, unfunny plays. There are even works that run for seven and a half hours, and there was someone who came to encourage me at every single performance. It pains me that that person cannot come. I understand his health is not good. It is actor Lee Sun-jae. I earnestly pray for his recovery."
Lee Sun-jae, the oldest active actor approaching 90, recently stopped activities and has been the subject of health speculation that has worried the public. According to close aides, Lee Sun-jae currently has weakened leg strength that makes it difficult to move and has focused on rehabilitation for 10 months following strenuous activities last year.
It was also reported that Lee Sun-jae has proceeded with proxy acceptance of awards and even refused hospital visits because he does not want to be seen receiving support from the public as an actor.
[Photo] OSEN DB / Live Up to Your Name broadcast capture
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