A wave of mourning from colleagues…remembering the late Lee Soon-jae "a person who burned his life to the end, an actor we will never forget"
[OSEN]The veteran actor representing Korea's theater and broadcasting world, the late Lee Soon-jae, died in the early hours of the 25th at the age of 91. When the final news of a man who devoted his life to acting was delivered, the actors who worked with him jointly mourned him and expressed their heavy hearts.
Baek Il-seop, who was the first to receive the obituary news, told OSEN by phone, "I learned from the news," and was at a loss for words. Recalling his long relationship with the deceased, he remembered, "After company dinners, when someone said 'let's go for round two,' he always came along. Even though he could hardly drink, he would say 'let's just go together' and always wanted to be with his juniors." After hearing recently that his health had worsened, he had hoped for a recovery and said, "I thought he would be out soon because he was undergoing rehabilitation… it's hollow. I want to drop by the wake in the evening to pay my respects," expressing his sorrow.
Kim Yong-gun, who worked with Lee Soon-jae last year in the drama 'Gaesori,' was also unable to hide his shock. He told OSEN, "Despite his age, he was diligent without a trace of slack and always set an example for his juniors," expressing his respect. "I was waiting because he said he'd call when his health improved, but to hear such news in the early morning is devastating," he said, also expressing regret that he could not be by the deceased's side at the end.
Actress Song Ok-sook also calmly told OSEN, "I'm grateful just to have been with the teacher during the final part of his life's journey." Recalling that during the filming of 'Gaesori' his health was poor and he rested for a month but finished the work to the end, she confessed, "Considering his age I was very worried, but he got up until the end. However, afterward on the theater stage his strength seemed to have diminished somewhat, which made my heart heavy." She added, "I used to say 'I want to be the female Lee Soon-jae,' but I don't measure up to even half of him. I want to keep his words to always be an actor who keeps challenging and striving until the end."
Jeong Dong-hwan also mourned, "I was choked up when I heard about the passing of teacher Lee Soon-jae." He remembered the deceased saying, despite health issues, "only my legs are a bit uncomfortable," to ease those around him, and said, "He moved more actively than younger actors and tirelessly carried out lectures, performances and events. No one would have thought such a person would suddenly pass away." He also recalled, "Even after late-night drama shoots he would go to school with a book in hand, and no matter how abstruse my play was he would never miss it and came to encourage me… no one can match that passion."
He said, "He was someone who did everything he could until the last moment of his life," and "He lived his life to the fullest, so I hope he rests in peace," offering deep condolences.
The actor Lee Soon-jae spent his life on acting, education and nurturing juniors. The location of the wake and funeral schedule will be confirmed after discussions with the bereaved family. His final moments, loved across generations, left a great resonance for many colleagues, and Korea's arts world has sent off another giant.<
[photo] OSEN DB