The late Lee Soon-jae passes away, Kim Yong-gun: “I was expecting recovery after hearing rehabilitation news, but I’m devastated” (Exclusive Interview)

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[OSEN=Yeon Hwui-seon] “He was a man without a single flaw.” Actor Kim Yong-gun paid tribute to the late Lee Soon-jae.

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On the morning of the 25th, Kim Yong-gun expressed his sorrow in a phone call with OSEN, saying, “I did my last work with senior Lee Soon-jae in the drama ‘Dog Sound’ last year. We even had a wrap-up party after the project, so it’s devastating to hear such news suddenly.”

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He reminisced about the deceased, saying, “He was always diligent, and his passion never waned, even in old age. From time management to guiding juniors, he was a significant role model to his juniors and never faltered, which is why fellow actors and staff respected him so much.”

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He continued, “I kept hearing about the senior’s health but couldn’t meet and greet him as he was reportedly unwell. Hearing that his health had deteriorated, I continued to reach out, and recently I heard he was moved to a big hospital for rehabilitation therapy and expected him to recover. But hearing this news early in the morning is too devastating and shocking.”

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Kim Yong-gun added, “After ‘Dog Sound’ ended, we had a gathering like a wrap-up party, and at that time, he seemed okay. Given his age, there were some health concerns, but I waited hoping for news of improvement from his manager. But upon hearing that his health was declining recently, it was worrying. And suddenly, like this, in the early morning…” He couldn’t continue speaking.

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In conclusion, he said, “He will be an actor that juniors will never forget. I believe he will remain in people’s memories for a long time,” paying homage to Lee Soon-jae.

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Lee Soon-jae passed away early this morning at the age of 91. During his life, even at his advanced age of nine decades, he was active across plays, dramas, and films. Last year, he appeared in ‘Dog Sound’ and even took to the stage in the play ‘Waiting for Godot,’ but canceled performance plans due to health deterioration.

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/ monamie@osen.co.kr

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[Photo] OSEN DB.

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