Overview
- Family members confirmed his death on November 25, with no cause disclosed.
- He had faced health complications since 2024 that led to a gradual withdrawal from public work.
- Nicknamed “the grandfather of the nation,” he worked across stage, film, and television after debuting in 1956.
- Notable credits include What Is Love?, Hur Jun, Unstoppable High Kick!, Money Flower, and Grandpas Over Flowers.
- Beyond performing, he taught at Gachon University, was elected to the National Assembly in 1992, and earned career honors from the Association of Actors of Korea.