National actor the late Lee Soon-jae has passed away. A living history of Korea's broadcasting industry and the "lifelong teacher" of countless juniors, he left a deep presence even on his final journey amid his disciples' tears.
In the early hours of the 27th, members of the "High Kick" cast, who led the sitcom craze of the 2000s, gathered at the funeral hall held at Asan Medical Center. The actors who had cried and laughed together throughout their lives wiped their eyes as they saw off the great elder who was leaving.
#. "My life's teacher"… the trembling voice of son-in-law Jeong Bo-seok
Jeong Bo-seok, who played father-in-law and son-in-law in "Roof-penetrating High Kick," served as the master of ceremonies at the funeral. His voice choked as he honored the deceased, saying, "Each step the teacher took was the very history of Korean broadcast acting." His remark that the deceased "opened the way so that juniors could act with peace of mind" revealed deep sorrow beneath his calmness.
#. "The teacher's embrace is still warm"… the sincerity of Park Min-young, whose debut was with him
Park Min-young, who debuted in "Unstoppable High Kick," confessed on social media, "I will remember the teacher who always hugged me whenever we met at the broadcasting station." To her, the deceased erased the fear of the "first set" and was the true mentor who opened the path for her as an actor.
#. Sincere tributes during difficult times… quiet memorials from Seo Yea-ji and Hwang Jung-eum
The two actresses, who had been going through difficult times due to controversies, did not hide their feelings for the deceased.
Seo Yea-ji wrote "the teacher I respect and love most" and left photos of past memories together. Stories resurfaced of how the deceased once made a Spanish notebook for her, showing the depth of the love he received. Hwang Jung-eum posted a photo from the set at the time with the words, "He was like a warm father to me. I will remember him forever." Although it was a difficult period, their condolences to the senior were calm and solemn.
#. "Father… I miss you so much" Jeong Jun-ha's choking post
Jeong Jun-ha, who played father and son with him on the drama and also called him "father" in real life, left a long post on YouTube. He paid tribute to the deceased by pausing content uploads for a day, saying, "The way he warmly embraced juniors on set is still vivid," and drew renewed attention to the special connection in which the deceased officiated at his wedding in 2012.
#. Jeong Il-woo's sobbing… "He felt like a real grandfather"
Jeong Il-woo, who debuted playing the grandson role, could not hold back and sobbed as he saw the deceased off. His figure, swallowing sobs with his head bowed, reminded many of the warm memories of the grandfather and grandson in "High Kick."
In a post he uploaded the day before, he also expressed his special feelings, saying, "It was an honor to take my first steps with the teacher. I love you, grandfather."
#. "More than a work, a family"… forever in the memories of those left behind
"High Kick" was not a simple sitcom but a national comedy loved across generations. And at its center was always the great elder Lee Soon-jae. Whether on set or off, he was a "true adult" who remembered, encouraged and warmly embraced each junior.
The moment those who were a family in the work bid their final farewells in tears as if in reality, everyone confirmed how profound the dignity of the life he left behind was. A generation's actor who made us laugh, cry and showed us the way. Though the great star named Lee Soon-jae has set, the warmth and dignity he left will shine forever in the memories of the High Kick family and in our hearts.
[Photo] OSEN DB. SNS
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