Lee Soon-jae, a towering figure in South Korean entertainment, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 91, as confirmed by his agency. With a career that spanned over seven decades, Lee was affectionately known as the ‘national TV dad,’ a testament to his iconic portrayals of wise and endearing older characters. Among his most celebrated roles were the strict father in the 1991 soap opera *What on Earth is Love* and the lovable grandfather in the hit sitcom *High Kick!*, which aired from 2006 to 2012. His passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes from across the nation, including heartfelt messages from K-pop stars and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, who praised Lee for bringing ‘laughter, emotion, comfort, and courage’ to audiences. Lee remained active in his craft until recently, winning the grand prize at the 2023 KBS Drama Awards for his lead role in the comedy series *Dog Knows Everything*. Born in 1934 in Hoeryeong, now part of North Korea, Lee moved to Seoul at the age of four. After studying philosophy at Seoul National University, he found his calling in acting, inspired by Sir Laurence Olivier’s performance in *Hamlet*. Over his illustrious career, Lee appeared in approximately 140 TV shows and continued to perform on stage until October 2024, when illness forced him to withdraw from a production of *Waiting for Godot*. Beyond acting, Lee briefly ventured into politics, serving as a member of parliament from 1992 to 1996. His legacy endures not only in South Korea but also globally, as scenes from *High Kick!* have become viral memes on platforms like TikTok. Fellow actors, including Yoo Yeon-seok and Jeong Bo-seok, have hailed him as a mentor and a guiding force in their lives. Lee Soon-jae’s contributions to Korean entertainment have left an indelible mark, ensuring his place as a cultural icon for generations to come.