Lee Soon-jae, Beloved as Korea’s “Nation’s Grandpa”, Passes Away at Age 91

Korean media reported that veteran actor Lee Soon-jae has passed away at the age of 91 (Korean age). Fondly known as Korea’s “Nation’s Grandpa,” the late actor was an esteemed figure in television, film, and theatre for nearly seven decades.

Lee Soon-jae graduated from Seoul National University with a degree in philosophy and began performing in theatre during high school. He officially debuted in 1956, marking the start of a remarkable 69-year career that would span hunreds of television dramas, films, and theatrical productions. Even in his late eighties, he remained active. However, he had withdrawn from public activities due to health complications and had been resting since late 2024. Lee’s passing was attributed to advanced age and long-term health issues.

Lee Soon-jae became widely beloved through classics such as the sitcom High Kick!. His warm, wise, and humorous presence earned him generations of fans especially when he had joined the hit variety show Grandpas Over Flowers, where despite being the oldest cast member, he impressed audiences with his extraordinary stamina and charm.