▲ Actor Lee Soon-jae, who has been active as the ‘oldest living actor’ [Yonhap News]
President Lee Jae-myung expressed his condolences over the passing of actor Lee Soon-jae, who had been active as the oldest living actor.
On the 25th, President Lee wrote on Facebook in a post titled “Praying for the repose of Lee Soon-jae, a great star of Korea’s culture and arts,” saying, “He was an artist loved by all generations and a national actor, and we will remember him for a long time.”
President Lee emphasized about the deceased, “He dedicated his life to acting and elevated the dignity of Korean culture and arts. He gave us laughter, emotion, comfort, and courage through theater, film, and broadcasting.”
He further mentioned, “As the saying goes, ‘Acting accompanies the stories of living humans,’ for him, acting was likely a channel to share our life stories with the world and convey the essence of human life.”
He went on to evaluate, “His philosophy of acting, his attitude as an actor, and his character as a true adult became a model for many juniors and gave profound resonance to all of us.”
President Lee said, “The works and messages left by the teacher will be passed down as valuable cultural heritage of Korea,” adding, “His expressions and voice are still vivid. Rest in peace.”