Lee Soon Wiki, Bio, Networth, BF, Husband, Family & More

Brief Introduction of Lee Soon Jae

Lee Soon Jae was a venerated South Korean actor whose illustrious career spanned over six decades, leaving an indelible mark on Korean theater, film, and television. Affectionately known as the “Nation’s Grandfather,” he was celebrated for his remarkable versatility and unwavering dedication to his craft. Lee made his official debut in 1956 and went on to appear in hundreds of productions, seamlessly transitioning from authoritative and dramatic roles in historical dramas to comedic and endearing characters in popular sitcoms. His passion for acting was matched by his commitment to education, as he mentored countless younger actors as a university professor. Lee Soon Jae’s profound influence and prolific body of work have cemented his status as a cultural icon and a foundational figure in the history of Korean performing arts.

Lee Soon Jae Overview

Early Life and Education of Lee Soon Jae

Lee Soon Jae was born in Hoeryong, North Hamgyong Province, which is now part of North Korea. At the age of four, his family relocated to Seoul, where they lived with his grandparents. His grandfather managed a small real estate business, while his father was involved in producing and selling soap. Growing up in the Ahyeon-dong neighborhood of Seoul, he witnessed a pivotal time in Korean history. He graduated from the esteemed Seoul High School before enrolling at the prestigious Seoul National University. It was during his university years, while studying philosophy, that his passion for the arts was ignited. Inspired by the influx of foreign films in the 1950s, particularly Laurence Olivier’s performance in “Hamlet,” he became deeply interested in acting. This newfound passion led him to help revive the university’s theater club, where he actively participated in national theater competitions and laid the foundation for his future career.

Lee Soon Jae’s Career

Lee Soon Jae’s monumental career began on the stage in 1956 with a production of “Beyond the Horizon” while he was still a student at Seoul National University. He made his television debut in 1961 in KBS’s very first drama, “Should I become a human too”. For years, he dedicated himself to his craft, often without pay in the nascent stages of the Korean entertainment industry. His film career was most active in the late 1960s and 1970s. As he matured, Lee became a fixture on television, earning widespread acclaim for his powerful performances in dramas like “What is Love” (1991-92), where his role as a patriarchal father resonated with a massive audience, achieving a 65% viewership rating. He also delivered memorable performances in historical dramas such as “Hur Jun” (1999), “Sangdo” (2001), and “Yi San” (2007).

In a surprising and successful career shift in his 70s, Lee embraced comedy, winning over a new generation of fans with his role in the hit sitcom “High Kick!” (2006-07). His comical portrayal of a grandfather secretly watching adult videos earned him the affectionate nickname “Yadong Soon-jae” (Porn Soon-jae). He further endeared himself to younger audiences through the popular travel-reality show “Grandpas Over Flowers” (2013-2018), where his energetic personality earned him another nickname, “Straight-ahead Soon-jae”. Beyond acting, Lee had a brief but impactful foray into politics, serving as a member of the 14th National Assembly of South Korea from 1992 to 1996. He was also a respected educator, serving as a professor of Film Arts at Sejong University and a professor emeritus at Gachon University, where he mentored aspiring actors. His passion never waned, and in 2024, he became the oldest actor to win the Grand Prize (Daesang) at the KBS Drama Awards for his role in “Dog Knows Everything”.

Lee Soon Jae Personal Life & Family

Lee Soon Jae was married to Choi Hee Jung in 1966. The couple first met while they were university students; she was the sister of a fellow member of his student theater troupe. Their marriage lasted for nearly six decades until his passing. Together, they had two children, a son named Lee Jong-hyuk and a daughter named Lee Jung-eun. Despite his immense fame and demanding schedule, Lee was a dedicated family man. His long-lasting marriage to his wife, Choi Hee Jung, was a testament to his commitment. The actor was known for his principled and dignified persona off-screen, serving as a role model for many in the industry. His personal life was largely kept private, free from public scandals, reflecting a quiet and stable lifestyle focused on his family and his craft.

Awards and Achievements of Lee Soon Jae

• Geumgwan Order of Cultural Merit (Posthumous)
• KBS Drama Awards, Grand Prize (Daesang) for “Dog Knows Everything” (2024)
• Eungwan Order of Cultural Merit (2018)
• tvN10 Awards, Entertainment Icon for “Grandpas Over Flowers” (2016)
• China Golden Rooster and Hundred Flowers Film Festival, Best Actor in a Foreign Film for “Late Blossom” (2011)
• MBC Entertainment Awards, Grand Prize (Daesang) in Comedy/Sitcom for “High Kick!” (2007)
• Bogwan Order of Cultural Merit (2004)
• Baeksang Arts Awards, Best Actor for “Persistence” (1977)

Lee Soon Jae Net Worth and Income

There is no reliable public information available regarding the net worth of Lee Soon Jae, as this data is not widely reported or disclosed. His primary sources of income throughout his extensive career were his countless roles in television dramas, films, and theater productions. For over 60 years, he was one of the most consistently working actors in South Korea, which constituted the bulk of his earnings. Additionally, Lee Soon Jae earned income from his academic career, serving as a distinguished professor at Sejong University and Gachon University. He also held the position of director at the SG Academy, an acting institution. These roles in education and arts administration provided another stream of income and solidified his financial standing.

Legacy and Influence

Lee Soon Jae leaves behind a monumental legacy as one of the most respected and influential figures in the history of Korean entertainment. His career, which began in the pioneering days of Korean television, served as a bridge between different eras of the industry. He was a living history of Korean broadcasting, consistently adapting his craft to remain relevant and beloved by audiences of all ages. His influence extends to the countless actors he mentored both directly as a professor and indirectly through his exemplary professionalism. President Lee Jae Myung eulogized him as a “great star” who provided comfort and courage to the people. His dedication was legendary; he famously continued with his professional obligations even on the days his parents passed away. Lee’s ability to transition from a stern patriarchal figure to a beloved comedic icon in his later years showcased his incredible range and secured his place in the hearts of a younger generation, with his “High Kick!” character becoming a popular meme on social media.

Interesting Facts about Lee Soon Jae

• He earned the nickname “Yadong Soon-jae” (Porn Soon-jae) after a memorable scene in the sitcom “High Kick!” where his character was caught watching adult videos.
• During the travel show “Grandpas Over Flowers,” his brisk walking pace and determined attitude earned him the moniker “Straight-ahead Soon-jae”.
• He studied Philosophy at the prestigious Seoul National University.
• Early in his career, due to financial struggles, he briefly quit acting to open a small dumpling shop.
• He was elected and served one term as a lawmaker in South Korea’s National Assembly from 1992 to 1996.
• He continued filming a drama the day his father passed away and performed on stage the day his mother died, showcasing his immense professionalism.
• He was the oldest actor to ever win the Grand Prize (Daesang) at the KBS Drama Awards at the age of 90 (international age).

Controversies

In 2020, Lee Soon Jae faced a public controversy when a former manager accused him and his wife of mistreatment. The manager claimed that beyond professional duties, he was required to perform personal household chores for the actor’s family and was unfairly dismissed after two months. The allegations also included issues regarding low pay and lack of insurance coverage. Lee Soon Jae initially stated the claims were exaggerated but later issued a formal public apology. He acknowledged his shortcomings, expressed shame for not setting a better example, and took full responsibility, stating he had reconciled with the former manager and apologized directly to him.

Social Media Presence

• Instagram – Not publicly available
• Twitter – Not publicly available
• YouTube – Not publicly available

Final Words about Lee Soon Jae

Lee Soon Jae’s life was a masterclass in passion, resilience, and artistic integrity. Until health issues arose in late 2024, he remained a vibrant and active force in the entertainment world, continually challenging himself with demanding roles on stage and screen. His passing in late 2025 was met with a nationwide outpouring of grief, with tributes coming from the highest levels of government, fellow actors young and old, and legions of fans who grew up watching him. He is remembered not just as a prolific actor but as a mentor, a public servant, and a cultural treasure who embodied the spirit of Korean performance art for over half a century. His extensive body of work will continue to be celebrated, and his philosophy of acting as a lifelong pursuit of perfection will undoubtedly inspire generations of artists to come.