On November 25, 2025, South Korea lost its most beloved acting icon. Veteran actor Lee Soon-jae died peacefully at home. He was 91 years old. His family and agency confirmed the news that morning. They stated the cause was natural causes related to old age. No serious illness was reported.
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American K-drama fans know him best as the strict but loving grandfather in hits like High Kick! and What Is Love?. For many U.S. viewers, he became family through Netflix and Viki. His gentle passing reminds us how quickly legends leave us. Yet his work will live on forever.
Early Life and Rise to Fame
Lee Soon-jae was born in 1934 in North Korea. His family fled south during the Korean War. He studied philosophy at Seoul National University. In 1956, he made his stage debut. Soon he became a leading theater actor.
Breakthrough TV Roles
In the 1990s, he exploded in popularity. The drama What Is Love? drew over 65% viewership. Millions watched him every week. Later, High Kick! turned him into a meme king. The famous “Yadong Grandpa” scene still goes viral today.
Health in Recent Years
In 2024, fans worried about his health. Reports mentioned leg weakness and rehab. However, his agency denied any major illness. Lee stayed active until the end. He even won the Grand Prize at the 2024 KBS Drama Awards.
The Final Moments
On November 25, 2025, Lee passed away quietly at home. Family members were by his side. No hospital stay occurred. At 91, natural causes were expected. His agency called it a peaceful farewell.
Official Statement
SG Way Entertainment released a short statement. “Actor Lee Soon-jae passed away peacefully this morning due to natural causes. We are deeply grateful for the love he received.” President Lee Jae-myung also paid tribute. He called Lee “a true actor of the people.”
Global Fan Reaction
Within hours, #LeeSoonJae trended worldwide. U.S. fans flooded Reddit and TikTok with clips. Many shared tearful messages. European viewers praised his warmth on BBC forums. Co-stars like Yoo Yeon-seok called him “a lifelong mentor.”
Political Career Highlight
Lee served in the National Assembly in 1992. He fought for actors’ rights. Few stars have balanced art and politics so well.
Lasting Legacy
Lee appeared in over 200 projects across seven decades. He mentored younger stars. He modernized Korean theater in the 1960s. Today’s Hallyu wave stands on his shoulders.
His natural passing teaches a simple truth. A full life ends softly. But its impact echoes forever.
“Legends never truly leave us — Dkolla Team”
FAQ’S
- What was the cause of Lee Soon-jae’s death? —-> Lee Soon-jae passed away from natural causes on November 25, 2025, at age 91, as confirmed by his family and agency—no specific illness was reported.
- How old was Lee Soon-jae when he died? —-> He was 91 years old, born on November 16, 1934, making him one of South Korea’s oldest active actors until the end.
- What were some of Lee Soon-jae’s most famous roles? —-> Iconic roles include the strict father in What Is Love? (1991–1992), the mentor in The Legendary Doctor, Hur Jun (1999), and the comedic grandpa in High Kick! (2006).
- Did Lee Soon-jae have a career outside of acting? —-> Yes, he served as president of the Korea Broadcasting Actors Association and was elected to South Korea’s National Assembly in 1992 as a Democratic Liberal Party member.
- How has the public reacted to Lee Soon-jae’s death? —-> Fans worldwide, including in the USA, have flooded social media with tributes, memes, and clips, praising his warmth, mentorship, and cultural impact—trending #LeeSoonJae globally.
