Na Youngseok Producer Moved to Tears by the News of Lee Soonjae's Passing

"He Always Said He Wanted to Remain on Stage Until the Very End"

"The story that the teacher shared most often with us, both during travels and in private gatherings, was that he wanted to remain on stage until the very end." On the 25th, producer Na Youngseok paid tribute to the late veteran actor Lee Soonjae (91), who passed away that day. Producer Na and the late actor became acquainted through the travel variety show "Grandpas Over Flowers."

The funeral hall for actor Lee Soonjae was set up on the 25th at Seoul Asan Medical Center Funeral Hall in Songpa-gu, Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News Agency (Joint Coverage Team)

At the Netflix "Three Meals in Kenya" production briefing held that day, Producer Na said, "I was very shocked to hear the sad news this morning. I had not been able to see Lee Soonjae for the past year due to his declining health. I was deeply taken aback by the sudden news," expressing his condolences. Producer Na, while conveying his tribute, was at times unable to continue speaking. He added, "His steady and diligent approach to work was a great example to me," and continued, "I pray that he will now be able to rest peacefully in heaven."

Park Kyunglim, who hosted the event, also said, "We have received the news that the veteran actor Lee Soonjae has passed away. I would like to take this opportunity to express my deepest condolences."

Previously, Producer Na first became acquainted with the late actor and other veteran actors such as Shin Goo, Park Geunhyung, and Baek Ilseob through the travel variety show "Grandpas Over Flowers," which first aired in 2013. The "Grandpas Over Flowers" series produced a total of four seasons until 2018.

'Grandpas Over Flowers' poster. tvN

In a 2017 interview, the late actor spoke about Producer Na, saying, "He is an incredibly creative person. Even topics that would seem insignificant if handled by others become the focus of attention when Na Youngseok is involved," and added, "Although travelogues are a type of staged variety show, there is nothing forced about Na Youngseok's programs."

Meanwhile, the late Lee Soonjae's funeral hall is Room 30 at Seoul Asan Medical Center Funeral Hall, with the funeral ceremony scheduled for 6:20 a.m. on the 27th. The burial site will be Eden Paradise in Icheon.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.