Veteran actor Lee Soon-jae, aged 90, made history at the 2024 KBS Drama Awards by becoming the oldest recipient of the prestigious Daesang (Grand Prize). The ceremony, pre-recorded on December 31, 2024, and aired on January 11, 2025, honored Lee Soon-jae for his performance in the drama Dog Knows Everything.
During his acceptance speech at KBS Hall in Yeouido, Seoul, Lee Soon-jae emphasized the importance of awarding actors based on their performance rather than age or popularity. He stated:
"I've received a beautiful and precious award. Even if you're over 60, you can still be recognized with an acting award, not just a lifetime achievement award. Acting should be evaluated based on performance alone, not on popularity or other conditions."
Lee Soon-jae continued:
"This award isn't just about me. It's a recognition of the entire cast and crew, especially the dogs who played such important roles. The dogs, including Sophie, were amazing, and the entire team worked tirelessly, making over 20 trips to Geoje Island."
His call for a merit-based evaluation system resonated with many fans and it went viral online.
Veteran actor Lee Soon-jae: A storied career spanning decades
Born on November 16, 1934, in Hoeryong, Korea, Lee Soon-jae graduated from Seoul National University with a Bachelor of Philosophy. He began his acting career in 1956 and has since become a cornerstone of Korean entertainment, with a filmography that reflects his versatility.
His filmography is as follows:
Films:
- Late Blossom (2011): Portrayed Kim Man-Seok, delivering a poignant performance as an elderly man finding love in his twilight years.
- Stand by Me (2018): Played the role of Deok-Goo's grandfather, showcasing his ability to convey deep familial bonds.
- Romang (2019): Starred as Jo Nam-Bong, depicting the challenges of aging and memory loss.
- Good Morning (2022): Assumed the role of Mr. Park, further cementing his status as a versatile actor.
- About Family (2024): Featured as a monk, adding to his diverse range of characters.
Television Series:
- High Kick! (2006): Gained popularity as the quirky grandfather in this sitcom.
- My Princess (2011): Played a significant role as the protagonist's grandpa, Park Dong-jae.
- The Princess's Man (2011): Portrayed Kim Jong-seo, a general serving as the Left State Councillor in this historical drama.
- Flames of Desire (2010): Played a self-made tycoon in this intense drama series.
In other news, the 2024 KBS Drama Awards faced a delay in broadcast due to the Jeju plane crash tragedy which occurred on December 29, 2024. The Jeju Air flight from Bangkok to Muan crashed into a wall after a landing due to an accidental bird strike. It killed 179 people onboard including the flight crew.