A mourning hall for the late Lee Soon Jae has been set up at the Asan Medical Center Funeral Hall in Seoul.
Since the news broke, Korea’s top celebrities have visited the mourning hall to pay their last respects in person. Among the mourners were Song Seung Heon, Kim Hee Ae, Park Geun Hyung, Kim Young Ok, Choi Soo Jong, Ha Hiera, Jeong Bo Seok, Baek Il Seob, Yoon Eun Hye, Choi Ji Woo, Jang Na Ra, Ryu Jin, Yoon Yoo Sun, Han Ji Hye, Kim Ji Young, Seo Ye Ji, Kim Yoo Jung, Lee Seung Gi, Choi Hyun Wook and Seoul Mayor Oh Se Hoon.
Choi Hyun Wook visited the funeral hall to pay his respects, despite never having had the chance to work with the late actor. “I was devastated when I heard the news at dawn,” he said. “I saw a video of him on stage at an awards ceremony, and it breaks my heart that I never got to meet him. I hope he rests in peace and finds happiness there.”
Lee Seung Gi recalled visiting Lee Soon Jae in the hospital after his health had worsened. “Even though he wasn’t feeling well, he still walked us to the elevator. That moment is still so vivid in my mind,” Lee said, reflecting on their special bond, as Lee Soon Jae had officiated his wedding. “Just hearing his name brings warmth to my heart. I hope he’s now at peace and in a better place.”
Nationwide Mourning
President Lee Jae Myung delivered a eulogy on November 25th, saying, “The late actor Lee Soon Jae elevated the dignity of Korea’s culture and arts by dedicating his entire life to acting. Moving between theater, film, and broadcasting, he brought us laughter, emotion, comfort, and courage.”
Wreaths from President Lee Jae Myung and former President Lee Myung Bak were placed at the altar. Long-time celebrity couple Shin Mina and Kim Woo Bin, who recently announced their upcoming wedding, also sent wreaths as a sign of their deep sorrow.
Kim Hye Soo honored his memory on Instagram by sharing his acceptance speech from the 2024 KBS Drama Awards: “I have owed so much to others and received so much help throughout my life. Thank you.”
Lee Yeon Hee posted a photo of a single white chrysanthemum on her personal account, writing, “May you rest in peace. The moments I spent with you were a great honor. I will never forget you. I pray for the eternal actor, Lee Soon Jae.”
‘High Kick’ Family Says Goodbye
The cast of the iconic High Kick sitcom franchise, which cemented Lee Soon Jae’s status as the “Nation’s Grandfather”, has poured out their grief.
Jung Il Woo, who played Lee’s rebellious grandson in the original High Kick!, posted a heartfelt tribute on social media. “It was an honor to take my first steps as an actor with you,” he wrote. “I will never forget your teachings and your heart. I am only sorry that time passed without me visiting you. Thank you for all the grace you have shown me. I pray you rest in peace. I love you, Grandfather.”
Jeong Jun Ha, who played his bumbling son in the same series, also mourned the loss. “The image of you always treating us warmly on set and genuinely caring for your juniors is still vivid,” he shared. “My heart is heavy knowing we have to let go of a great star who dedicated his life to Korean theater and broadcasting.”
Other family members from the show paid their respects as well. His on-screen wife, Na Moon Hee, and daughter-in-law, Park Hae Mi, sent wreaths to the funeral hall to bid him farewell.
Cast members from the sequel, High Kick Through the Roof, also shared their condolences. Choi Daniel posted a group photo of the cast, while Hwang Jung Eum wrote, “I respect and love you. You were a warm father figure to me when I knew nothing.”
Jin Ji Hee, who played his granddaughter in the second season, shared a touching message: “I was sincerely grateful to see your seriousness about acting, your responsibility on stage, and your attitude toward life right by your side. I will always remember and protect the warm heart you gave me.”
Jeong Bo Suk, who played his son-in-law, expressed deep longing for his mentor. “I learned so much about acting, life, and the attitude of an actor,” he said. “Every step he took was the beginning and the history of our broadcast acting.”
Funeral and Government Honors
The funeral procession will take place on the morning of November 27th at 6:20 AM. He will be laid to rest at Eden Paradise in Icheon. The funeral will be held quietly with family, with his wife Choi Hee Jung and their children listed as chief mourners. His coffin will be carried by his university students.
The South Korean government has posthumously awarded Lee Soon Jae the Geumgwan Order of Cultural Merit (1st Class), also known as the Gold Crown Medal. It is the highest distinction in South Korea’s Order of Cultural Merit, given for outstanding contributions to the development of culture and the arts.
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism announced that Minister Choi Hwi Young visited the funeral hall on the evening of November 25th to deliver the medal to the bereaved family. Lee had previously received the Silver Crown Order of Cultural Merit in 2018. This marks the first time in three years that an actor has received the Gold Crown Order, following Youn Yuh Jung and Lee Jung Jae.
The Ministry stated, “The deceased established himself as one of the most prominent senior actors since debuting in the 1956 play Beyond the Horizon. He worked across various fields for over half a century. With more than 140 works to his name, he was loved by all generations for his sincere acting and his warmth as a person, spanning dramas, plays, variety shows, and sitcoms.”
They added, “He was a cultural artist who practiced social responsibility beyond the arts through nurturing future generations and his parliamentary activities.”
