“I have received a lot of help and support from the viewers throughout my life.”
National actor Lee Soon-jae has become the oldest recipient of the KBS Acting Award.
Lee Soon-jae lifted the trophy for the Grand Prize at the '2024 KBS Entertainment Awards' broadcast on the 11th, winning for the drama 'Barking'. He became the main character of the award ceremony, surpassing Ji Hyun-woo and Lim Soo-hyang from 'Beauty and the Beast', Kim Jung-hyun and Park Ji-young from 'Iron Family', and Kim Ha-neul from 'Let’s Grab the Collar'.
The '2024 KBS Acting Awards', hosted by broadcaster Jang Seong-kyu and actors Seo Hyun and Moon Sang-min, was originally scheduled to be broadcast live on December 31 last year, but was recorded due to the aftermath of the Jeju Air passenger plane disaster. Born in 1934, Lee Soon-jae, the oldest active entertainer, made his first official appearance in over two months after stepping down from the play 'Waiting for Godot' due to health issues last October.
Upon receiving the Grand Prize, Lee Soon-jae said, “Having lived a long life, there are days like this,” and added, “I remember that KBS started its broadcasting history on December 31, 1961. I made my first appearance in 'I Want to Be a Human Too'. I had a small role alongside my seniors. I continued to work at KBS, then signed an exclusive contract with TBC, and after the media consolidation in the 1980s, I continued my connection. There haven’t been many opportunities to appear. It’s natural not to appear if there isn’t a suitable role. I prepared for the day when the opportunity would come. Today, I received this beautiful and precious award.”
He continued, “In the past, when receiving the Grand Prize, it was awarded to historical figures like General Lee Soon-shin. It can be given. In the U.S., actress Katharine Hepburn received it once in her 30s and three times after turning 60. Even at 60, if you do well, it’s not just a lifetime achievement award. Acting should be evaluated based on acting. It shouldn’t be evaluated based on popularity or other conditions,” and added, “This award is not just for me; in 'Barking', Sophie and many dogs played their parts. Everyone did their best in their respective roles.”
He also mentioned, “It takes four and a half hours by car to get to Geoje. I traveled back and forth 20 times to shoot,” and expressed gratitude, saying, “I have students to thank. I am still a distinguished professor at Gachon University thanks to the consideration of the president. I guide each student specifically. We select a work and practice for a semester to present it. Filming takes six months, so I couldn’t come and go. I told the students I was sorry, and they said they would do their best to create it as they were taught since it was a rare opportunity to act in a drama. I was moved to tears. I trusted those students, and the results came today. I am grateful.”
Lee Soon-jae added, “At the beginning, it was precarious. I had many worries and overcame difficulties, and today 'Barking' is heard nationwide through KBS,” and sincerely expressed, “I have received a lot of help and support from the viewers throughout my life. Thank you.”
On that day, when Lee Soon-jae received the award, the actors in the audience stood up and gave him a warm round of applause. Additionally, Lee Soon-jae also won the Best Couple Award along with Yeon-woo and the dog Ari from 'Barking'.
In the drama 'Barking', which aired last year, Lee Soon-jae played a central role, delivering the most lines and showcasing great chemistry with Sophie, Yeon-woo, Park Sung-woong, and Kim Yong-gun.
Kim Yong-gun previously mentioned at the production presentation of 'Barking', “In the latter part of the work, Lee Soon-jae’s health was a bit poor, so we, including the staff, were very worried. Lee Soon-jae overcame that, and even when he couldn’t see the script, he wrote his lines on a large paper and memorized them all. Through this work 'Barking', Lee Soon-jae’s tenacity has become an example for us.”
At the award ceremony, after winning the Supporting Actor Award, Kim Yong-gun said, “I checked my health while going back and forth to Geoje for about seven months. I traveled for 10 hours round trip over several days, and I think we can do a season 2,” and expressed gratitude to the fellow actors, saying, “At the center of it all was Lee Soon-jae. That’s why I felt secure, and we were able to finish the drama well. I wish for Lee Soon-jae’s health and respect him,” reiterating his admiration for Lee Soon-jae.
Thus, the award for the oldest recipient, Lee Soon-jae, who has dedicated his life to acting with great passion, shone even brighter. Lee Soon-jae, who has quietly walked the path of acting for many years, sincerely thanked the viewers until the end, providing a touching moment filled with the warm congratulations and respect from his juniors.
