‘Even if I were born again, I would be an actor’: Lee Soon-jae’s life reflects dignity of an artist

Lee Soon-jae lived as a working actor until his final days. At 91, an age when many retire into quiet rest, he moved between theater stages and filming sets, fueled by an undying passion for performance. His life itself was a work of art, shaped by discipline, humility and craftsmanship. News of Lee’s passing on Nov. 25 prompted an outpouring of grief across the entertainment industry. Actors, directors and colleagues shared their condolences and recalled memories of the veteran performer with deep sorrow. Lee had an exclusive YouTube interview with the Hankook Ilbo a few years ago, ahead of the release of the film “Good Morning.” “I didn’t get paid much for this one. It’s a low-budget film. But the script was good. I joined the project happily, with a bit of ambition, regardless of the money,” he said with a cheerful laugh. For Lee, an actor’s greatest fortune was meeting good scripts and good directors. “That’s how you can fully show your capabilities. That’s real luck for an actor,” he said. In “Good Morning,” he played an elderly man in a hospice ward. “Weiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Korea Times Weiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Korea Times