South Korean star Lee Moon Soo dies at 76; here are his most popular K-dramas
South Korean veteran actor Lee Moon Soo passed away at 76, leaving fans mourning his remarkable legacy. Known for his memorable roles across television, he starred in several acclaimed K-dramas that continue to be loved by viewers. Here's a look at some of his most popular and impactful works.
Lee Moon Soo death news: The South Korean entertainment world has been left in deep sorrow following the passing of veteran actor Lee Moon Soo, who died at the age of 76 after battling lung cancer for three years. His death was confirmed by the Korea Theatre Actors Association and several industry insiders, who revealed that the acclaimed actor breathed his last on the night of November 29, at a hospital in Yangpyeong County, Gyeonggi Province.
The news has cast a pall over the theatre community, where Lee enjoyed decades of admiration and respect. According to MBC News, the actor’s funeral was conducted at 8:20 AM KST on December 1 at Room 2 of the Hanyang University Hospital Funeral Hall in Seoul. He will be laid to rest at Eden Memorial Park. Lee Moon Soo is survived by his wife and one child, although further details about his family have been kept private.
Born on 3 March 1949 in Yangpyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do, Lee Moon Soo’s journey to the stage was far from conventional. He initially worked as a civil servant to support his family before shifting gears to pursue acting, his true passion. His entry into the National Theatre Company of Korea in 1989 marked the beginning of an illustrious career that would span more than three decades.
Lee Moon Soo K-dramas list
His stage work was celebrated widely, with standout performances in classics such as The Crucible, Death of a Salesman, King Lear, 1984, The Seagull, and The Problematic Man Yeonsan. These roles cemented his status as one of the most respected theatre actors of his generation.
Alongside his stage achievements, Lee Moon Soo built a notable career on screen. He appeared in acclaimed films including Hello Ghost, Romantic Heaven, Going by the Book, Beyond the Years, and Traffickers. Television audiences grew particularly fond of him after his memorable performance in the 2016 tvN drama Signal, which earned him widespread recognition.
He also starred in popular K-dramas such as Guardian: The Lonely and Great God (Goblin), The Beauty Inside, Rookie Cops, Ghost Doctor, and Never Give Up. His final appearance was in Coupang Play’s 2022 series Unicorn, after which his health declined and he stepped back to focus on treatment.
In 2010, Lee was honoured with a commendation from the Minister of Culture, Sports, and Tourism for his significant contribution to Korean performing arts as a longtime member of the National Theatre Company.