(LEAD) Outpouring of condolences for late actor Lee Soon-jae as 'big star' passes
SEOUL, Nov. 25 (Yonhap) -- An outpouring of remembrance and condolences came Tuesday following the death of veteran actor Lee Soon-jae earlier in the day.
Colleagues and junior actors alike shared their grief and paid tribute to the late actor's passion and generosity.
Joo Ho-sung, a theater actor who starred in the 2022 production of "The Seagull" staged by the late actor, expressed his deep sadness during a phone interview with Yonhap News Agency, comparing the loss to a "big star setting."
He fondly recalled Lee as a "generous" mentor who would often treat junior actors to meals and offer them invaluable acting advice.
Veteran actress Park Jeong-ja remembered Lee's unwavering dedication to his craft.
"He did not have any reservations about acting. He burned his body and soul for whatever roles he got to play under any circumstances," she said. "I think he accomplished all."
The sense of loss was also felt by those he had mentored. Actor Yoo Yeon-seok, a former student of Lee's at Sejong University, paid tribute on social media, thanking him for his great performances.
Jeong Bo-seok, who co-starred with Lee in the 2009 sitcom "High Kick Through the Roof," remembered him as a "mentor" in both acting and personal life.
Bae Jung-nam, who starred alongside Lee in the KBS comedy series "Dogs Know Everything" last year, also shared his condolences on Instagram.
"Rest in Peace, Sir," he wrote. "It was the greatest honor of my life for me to be able to work together in a drama."
Star producer Na Young-seok, who created the popular series "Grandpas over Flowers," recalled the late actor frequently saying he "wanted to perform on stage until the very last moment" of his life. Lee appeared in all five seasons of the show from 2013 to 2018, displaying remarkable vitality and enthusiasm that belied his age.
"I remember him as a person who exemplified dedication to his craft and served as a role model for younger actors," Na said during a press event held earlier in the day.
jaeyeon.woo@yna.co.kr
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