Comedian Kim Young-cheol and singer Tei expressed their heartfelt condolences on air after learning the news of the death of the late Lee Soon-jae.
The late Lee Soon-jae passed away in the early hours of the 25th. He was 91. The deceased's funeral room was set up that day in Room 30 of the Asan Medical Center funeral hall in Pungnap-dong, Songpa District, Seoul, and visitations are expected to be possible from 1 p.m.
Kim Young-cheol, who was hosting a live radio show when the news arrived, revealed his moved feelings about the late Lee Soon-jae. That morning he was hosting SBS PowerFM's Kim Young-cheol's PowerFM and said, "This is truly sad news. I hear that the national actor Lee Soon-jae passed away in the early morning today."
Kim Young-cheol added, "The actor's rest feels like an elder from my own family has passed away. I'm so sad. Please convey my deepest condolences," and he relayed a listener's expression of mourning on behalf of that listener. Kim Young-cheol also added, "He was someone who received the respect and love of his juniors; I pray for the deceased's peace."
Reporter Jeong Sang-geun, who co-hosted the broadcast with Kim Young-cheol, also introduced him by saying, "He was a national actor who went beyond being a senior to be active as the oldest actor," and "He appeared in many works loved by the whole nation. Entering his 70s, he broadened his acting spectrum with a sitcom he appeared in."
Meanwhile, Tei, who was hosting MBC FM4U's Good Morning FM, Tei, heard the news of the death from a listener and expressed his sorrow, saying, "The teacher said he would remain on stage or in front of the camera until the end of his life. I thought he would remain active and healthy past 100 years old."
Tei expressed his mourning and respect, saying, "I think he will be in a good place. I will not forget how he devoted his life to challenge and passion. I respect him."
The late Lee Soon-jae debuted in 1956 and left behind a variety of works across drama, film and the stage. Historical pieces such as "Heo Jun" and "Yi San," as well as sitcoms and variety shows like "High Kick!" and "Grandpas Over Flowers," made him familiar to the public. His affection for theater was also special; he continued performing on stage until last year.
The late Lee Soon-jae's funeral rite will be held at 6:20 a.m. on the 27th, and the burial site is Eden Paradise in Icheon. The chief mourners listed are his wife Choi Hee-jung and his son and daughter.
[Photo] OSEN DB.
[OSEN]