Lee Soon Jae

Lee Soon Jae, known as the 'national grandfather' of South Korean cinema, passed away at the age of 91 on November 25, 2023. He gained fame for his roles in popular television dramas such as 'Family is Number One' and left a significant mark on the Korean entertainment industry. Born in 1934 in North Hamgyong Province (now part of North Korea), he moved to Seoul at a young age and began his acting career in 1956 after being inspired by international films. Over his long career, he appeared in nearly 300 productions, earning acclaim for his performances and even receiving the prestigious Daesang award at the KBS Drama Awards shortly before his passing.