MBC documentary memorial special 'Actor Lee Soon-jae, I owe you a lot' aired on the 28th, revealing the late Lee Soon-jae's final records in Korea's acting world. Among them, the scene that saddened viewers most was his 모습 even on his sickbed saying, "The only thing I want to do is work."
#. "The only thing I want is work"… earnest feelings revealed on the sickbed in May
The video began with a scene on May 25 of this year when agency CEO Lee Seung-hee visited Lee Soon-jae lying on his sickbed. When CEO Lee Seung-hee cautiously asked, "Is there nothing you want to do if you just lie down?", the late Lee Soon-jae firmly replied, "The only thing I want to do is work."
The CEO comforted him, saying, "You should act when you are healthy. Recover your body first and prepare slowly." Lee Soon-jae nodded and showed his determination to return to the set.
But the 'next project' he hoped for ultimately did not come to pass. Lee Soon-jae passed away on Nov. 25, 2024, at the age of 91.
#. his final work and his first KBS grand prize drama "Gaesori"
Born in Hoeryong, North Hamgyong Province, in 1934, Lee Soon-jae was a living history of Korea's acting world, spanning nearly 70 years across theater, drama, film and entertainment. In his 70s he starred in the sitcom "High Kick!" and in his 90s he returned to the theater stage, showing a passion that transcended age.
His final work was the KBS2 drama "Gaesori," and with this work he received his first KBS acting grand prize 68 years after his debut.
Taking the stage, he said in a trembling voice, "Having lived a long life, a day like this comes. Acting should be judged as acting." He then thanked the Gachon University students who encouraged him, "Don't worry and do well in drama," and the sight of him swallowing tears moved viewers deeply.
#. the last trophy embraced on the sickbed… "It's heavy," one word carried 70 years
In the broadcast, CEO Lee Seung-hee recalled the situation and expressed a heavy heart. CEO Lee said, "That was the time when the teacher's health was at its worst." The footage also revealed Lee Soon-jae holding the '2024 KBS acting awards' trophy on his sickbed for the last time, and his saying, 'It's heavy…' was poignant.
In that short phrase were the weight of a 70-year acting career, a yearning for work, and the heart of actor Lee Soon-jae who did not want to leave the set until the end.
#. final remarks "I owe you a lot"… to the eternal teacher of acting
Lee Soon-jae's final acceptance remarks came to represent his entire life. "I owe you a lot for my whole life. Thank you." That one line moved not only junior colleagues but also viewers and the public. Many junior actors who saw Lee Soon-jae off cried, saying, "He was a warm elder," and "There was always much to learn on set."
Until the last moment he ran toward his work, he was a true actor. Even on his sickbed he wanted to memorize scripts, and he vowed to do works again when he recovered. Actor Lee Soon-jae's last trophy, last remarks and last gaze all said, "Acting is my life." Although his absence is great, the works, words and acting philosophy he left behind will remain in Korea's acting history for a long time.<
[photo] OSEN DB, broadcast screen capture
[OSEN]