Overview
- His death was confirmed on Nov. 25, 2025, at age 91, with no cause announced.
- President Lee Jae-myung posted a tribute praising his lifetime contribution to Korean arts.
- The seven-decade career spanned theater, film, and television, with signature roles in What on Earth Is Love?, High Kick!, Hur Jun, Yi San, and the reality series Grandpas Over Flowers.
- He performed King Lear in 2021 at age 87 and retired in 2023 due to health issues.
- Colleagues and fans, including Taeyeon, shared condolences, and coverage notes he won the 2024 KBS Drama Awards Daesang as the oldest recipient.