Actor Yoo Yeon-seok has paid a heartfelt tribute to the late veteran actor Lee Soon-jae, sharing how the legendary star deeply shaped his life and career.
On November 26, Yoo posted several photos taken with Lee on Instagram, writing,
“I met him during my university days, and he was truly a great elder and a real teacher to me.”
Yoo reflected on his long years as an unknown actor, saying,
“I was able to endure 10 years of obscurity because of his words: ‘If you truly love what you do, you must be able to quietly endure at least 10 years.’”
He continued,
“Every time I met him—whether at school or on set—I was amazed by his unwavering passion for acting and his dedication as an actor. I always learned from him and reflected on myself.”
Yoo added, “Thank you for the love and guidance you showed your juniors and students throughout your life.”
He ended his tribute with,
“Teacher Lee Soon-jae, I respect you and I love you.”
Yoo Yeon-seok studied film at Sejong University, where Lee Soon-jae served as a professor. The actor has previously spoken about performing “King Lear” under Lee’s direction during his junior year of college—an experience that shaped their long-standing connection.
The late Lee Soon-jae passed away on November 25 at the age of 91.
The funeral is being held at Asan Medical Center Funeral Hall in Seoul, with the service scheduled for November 27 at 6:20 a.m. He will be laid to rest at Eden Paradise in Icheon, Gyeonggi Province.