Worries about Lee Soon Jae's well-being have resurfaced after he missed a recent awards ceremony, but insiders reveal it's not declining health that's keeping him away—it's mobility issues.

At 89 years young, Lee Soon Jae holds the title of Korea's oldest active actor. Rumors began swirling about his health last October when he stepped back from the play "Waiting for Godot While Waiting" following medical advice to take a break. This came as he was juggling the KBS2 drama "Dog Knows Everything," during which he faced health complications.

Despite these hurdles, Lee made a triumphant return at the 2024 KBS Drama Awards, where he snagged both the Grand Prize (Daesang) and Best Couple Award. Though he required help walking to the stage, his heartfelt speech resonated with fans: "Living this long, I guess you do see days like this. Thank you to all the viewers who have supported me throughout my life."

Following those accolades, Lee has opted out of new projects, leading to speculation after his absence from the 37th Korea PD Awards on April 15th. He was honored in the Best Actor category, but his agency's CEO, Lee Seung Hee, accepted the award on his behalf, noting, "Mr. Lee is a bit unwell and couldn’t attend. He sends his deep gratitude to the PD Awards staff and judges. Please keep him in your thoughts."

It's important to clarify that Lee Soon Jae's health is actually on the upswing. The main issue lies with his mobility—his leg muscles have weakened due to age. While he can get around with assistance, he prefers to avoid public appearances that require help, which explains his decision to send someone in his stead.

Despite his limited public presence, Lee remains intellectually vibrant and is held in high regard for his decades of dedication to Korean entertainment.