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Veteran actor Lee Soon-jae’s health has been confirmed to be deteriorating, causing public concern.
At the ‘2025 Korea Popular Culture and Arts Awards’ awards ceremony held at the Haeoreum Theater of the National Theater in Jangchung-dong, Seoul on the afternoon of the 23rd, actor Jeong Dong-hwan received the Cultural Merit Medal and directly mentioned Lee Soon-jae’s name during his speech.
Jeong Dong-hwan said, “Whenever I performed a 7-and-a-half-hour play, there was someone who never left out to encourage me. But today, he couldn’t come. I know he’s not in good health. This is teacher Lee Soon-jae. I sincerely hope that his health recovers,” and the scene became solemn.
Lee Soon-jae is the oldest active actor, turning 90 this year. Last year, he won the grand prize at the ‘2024 KBS Drama Awards’ and was named the oldest winner in history, but he virtually stopped working after that and became embroiled in rumors about his health. Even during the filming of the drama ‘Bullshit,’ the filming was temporarily halted due to worsening health, and the actor had to withdraw from the stage.
In particular, health issues surfaced again last August when actor Park Geun-hyung said at a press conference, “I don’t think it’s a good situation.” As a result of OSEN’s confirmation at the time, a close associate said, “There is no major problem with his health, but his leg muscles have weakened and he has difficulty moving. He does not want to be seen as being supported, so he is refusing visits to the hospital,” and “he is concentrating on rehabilitation.”
However, with Jeong Dong-hwan’s remarks this time, concerns are being raised again that “I thought he would be recovering, but his condition has actually worsened.” Netizens also expressed their concerns, saying, “I was hoping for a recovery, but it’s unfortunate,” “It’s news that came after a year, and it breaks my heart,” and “A living witness to the history of Korean theater and drama, I hope you recover your health.”