The South Korean entertainment industry is mourning the loss of yet another deeply respected figure with the passing of veteran actor Lee Moon Soo.
The news of his death was announced by the Korean Theatre Actors Association on November 29, 2025.
Lee Moon Soo passed away at the age of 76 the previous evening at a hospital in Yangpyeong County, Gyeonggi Province.
He had been quietly battling lung cancer since his diagnosis in 2022, marking a two-year struggle that ultimately concluded his prolific career spanning over three decades on both stage and screen.
His death comes just days after the passing of fellow veteran actor Lee Soon Jae, adding a layer of collective grief to the Korean acting community.
A Quiet Giant of the Korean Stage
Lee Moon Soo’s journey into acting was a testament to his enduring passion and commitment to the craft.
Born in March 1949, he initially pursued a career as a civil servant to support his family, a detail often recalled by those who admired his integrity.
Despite his initial professional path, he never abandoned the desire to perform, an aspiration that led him to enroll late in life at the prestigious Seoul Institute of the Arts.
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His formal acting career began in earnest in 1989 when he joined the National Theater Company of Korea.
This move established him firmly in the world of classical and contemporary theatre, where he became a central and highly respected figure.
Throughout his tenure, Lee Moon Soo anchored numerous major stage productions, earning a reputation for his profound, sincere, and uncompromising approach to performance.
His notable stage credits include acclaimed works such as The Crucible, The Problematic Human Yeonsan, the Arthur Miller classic Death of a Salesman, and Shakespeare’s King Lear and The Seagull.
Colleagues remember him not for glamour, but as a “diligent and dignified actor” who prioritized “sincerity as a performer,” reflecting his deep, lifelong devotion to the stage despite the financial challenges often faced by theater artists.
Leaving an Indelible Mark on the Screen
While the theater remained his artistic home, Lee Moon Soo successfully transitioned to make an indelible mark on the small and big screens, bringing his grounded and humane acting style to a wider audience.
He became a familiar face to K-drama and film viewers, often playing supporting roles that left a lasting impression.
Among his most recognized television roles was his moving portrayal of detective Lee Jae Han’s father in the highly acclaimed 2016 tvN drama Signal.
He also graced the screen in globally popular dramas such as Guardian: The Lonely and Great God (Goblin), The Beauty Inside, Ghost Doctor, and Rookie Cops, showcasing his ability to transcend genres and generations.
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On the film front, he gained significant public recognition for his role as the “perverted ghost” in the 2010 comedy-drama Hello Ghost, a performance that highlighted his versatility.
Other notable film appearances include Romantic Heaven and Late Blossom.
His dedication was officially recognized in 2010 when he was honored with a Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Commendation for his extensive contributions to the arts.
His final screen appearance was in the 2022 Coupang Play drama, Unicorn.
Final Arrangements and Enduring Legacy
The Korean Theatre Actors Association confirmed that Lee Moon Soo passed away while receiving treatment for lung cancer, having fought the illness since 2022. He is survived by his wife, Yoon Se Sook, and their family.
Details regarding his memorial have been released by the association. The wake has been set up at Room 2 of the funeral hall at Hanyang University Hospital in Seoul.
The funeral procession is scheduled to depart at 8:20 a.m. KST on Monday, December 1st, with the interment taking place at Eden Memorial Park.
The industry will remember Lee Moon Soo as a “quiet yet unflinchingly resolute senior” and a true master of profound, sincere acting, whose extensive body of work enriched both the Korean stage and screen for over three decades.
