Legendary Actor Lee SoonJae Leaves a Lasting Impression

In an evening filled with the glamour and prestige of the Korean entertainment industry, the 60th Baeksang Arts Awards unfolded with grace and grandeur at COEX, Gangnam, Seoul. The event, hosted by broadcaster Shin DongYup and actors Suzy and Park BoGum on May 7th, celebrated the best in TV, film, and theater, reflecting a year of artistic achievements and milestones.

Since its inception in 1965, the Baeksang Arts Awards has been a cornerstone event, fostering the growth of Korean popular culture and boosting the morale of artists across the nation. It's a platform where the luminaries of the entertainment industry gather to honor the exceptional talents and performances of the past year.

Among the distinguished attendees, actor Lee SoonJae, with a career spanning 69 years since his acting debut in the 1956 play "Beyond the Horizon," shared profound insights into the craft of acting. His response to a question about memorizing lengthy scripts was both a declaration of his dedication and a piece of advice to aspiring actors. "How can one act without memorizing the script?" he questioned, emphasizing the importance of memory in an actor's skill set. "If you find yourself apologizing and asking for retakes too often, it might be time to reconsider your career. A script must be perfectly memorized to bring authentic emotion to the performance. If you can't memorize lines, you can't infuse your soul into the character."

Lee's unwavering passion for acting was evident as he discussed the vitality it brings to his life. "Acting is about vitality," he stated. "Even when I'm unwell, the moment I hear 'action,' I'm invigorated. But acting isn't easy. It requires constant contemplation, effort, and study. Every new role is a challenge, a chance to create something fresh. Many actors have come and gone, thinking they had done enough. The ones who remain are those who consistently challenge themselves and strive for improvement. There's no end to acting; it's a continuous journey toward perfection."

When asked about the legacy he wishes to leave, Lee SoonJae expressed a simple yet profound desire: "I hope to be remembered as an actor who dedicated himself to his craft." His performance at the awards ceremony, which moved everyone in attendance, including actor Yoo YeonSeok who was visibly emotional, was a testament to his incredible impact on the stage and screen.

Lee SoonJae's remarkable career and his heartfelt words at the Baeksang Arts Awards serve as a powerful reminder of the enduring spirit of dedication and creativity in the world of acting. As we look forward to future performances, his legacy continues to inspire both established and emerging talents in the Korean entertainment industry.