This article summarizes the life of Lee Soon-jae, a “national actor” who dedicated his entire life to acting. It turns out he continued to pursue acting even while battling a severe illness.

KBS 2TV’s ‘Celebrity Soldier’s Secret,’ airing at 8:30 p.m. on May 12, will highlight the life of Lee Soon-jae, the “eternal active actor” who guarded the stage until his final moments. His 70-year acting career, sustained solely by obsession, will be explored in this broadcast, along with his passionate dedication and previously undisclosed behind-the-scenes stories from his battle with illness.

#KBS Grand Prize After 70 Years on Debut, and the Meaning of His Tears: “I’ve Caused You So Much Trouble”

In January 2025, Lee Soon-jae received his first KBS Acting Grand Prize 70 years after his debut. It was not an honorary award but a pure acting award. Three months after suspending activities due to deteriorating health, he appeared on stage with a gaunt figure and calmly began his acceptance speech: “Living long, I finally get a day like this.” He ended with, “I’ve caused you so much trouble,” his eyes reddening. What was the meaning of those tears? Why did he never let go of his scripts even at 90?

The broadcast will reveal his desperate struggle during the filming of KBS drama ‘Dog Talk,’ which earned him the Grand Prize. Though eager to take on his first leading role in years, his advanced age posed challenges. Diagnosed with cataracts mid-shoot, he immediately underwent surgery. He flatly rejected the production team’s suggestion to rest, stating, “I cannot burden 70 to 80 staff members.”

Returning to the camera after half a month, he could barely see or hear. With 70% of the filming taking place in Geoje, he endured long-distance travel each time. Despite his deteriorating vision and hearing, he memorized lines read aloud by his manager and completed the project. His relentless dedication will be conveyed in full.

#”Memory Is Talent Too”: The Secret to His Perfect Memorization at 90

This episode features Park So-dam, who starred with Lee in the play ‘Grandpa Henri and Me,’ and Park Hae-mi, his “eternal daughter-in-law,” sharing special memories. Park So-dam recounted Lee’s remarkable memorization skills witnessed during script readings. Colleagues testified that Lee was always the earliest to arrive on set and rarely made mistakes.

His secret lay not in innate talent but in lifelong self-discipline. He trained his memory by reciting names of U.S. presidents and British prime ministers. Avoiding alcohol and tobacco, he maintained the stamina of an “eternal active actor.” Meanwhile, MC Lee Chan-won, known for his love of drinking, joked, “At least I don’t smoke,” turning the set into laughter.

Specialist Lee Nak-jun explained, “Repeatedly memorizing specific information actually helps maintain or expand the brain’s storage capacity.” He added that such memorization would have been difficult without abstaining from alcohol and smoking. Lee’s longevity on stage stemmed from rigorous self-management and relentless effort—a miracle born from his desire to act until his last breath.

#Lee Soon-jae, the Man for Whom Acting Was Everything

His final stage at 89 was the play “Waiting for Waiting for Godot.” Two months into the run, he headed straight to the hospital after the final curtain, diagnosed with pneumonia. During his prolonged hospitalization, a faint sound escaped his room, surprising everyone. What was the origin of that sound? Until his final moments, Lee wanted to be an actor. His extraordinary journey awaits.

Lee Soon-jae passed away on November 25th of last year, at 91. Born in Hoeryong, North Hamgyong Province, in 1934, his household register lists 1935 as his birth year. He was a “living history” who grew with Korean broadcasting and the oldest actor to remain active until the end. At 70, he starred in the sitcom ‘High Kick!’; at 90, he graced theater stages. His passion for acting, defying age, earned him the respect of juniors. Even amid worsening health, he served as a distinguished professor at Gachon University’s Department of Acting Arts, nurturing future actors.