Seoul: Tributes continued to pour in Wednesday for celebrated actor Lee Soon-jae, who passed away at 91, as colleagues and dignitaries gathered for the second day of mourning to honor his life and legacy.

According to Yonhap News Agency, former Culture Minister Yoo In-chon, himself an actor, paid his respects at the memorial altar set up at the Seoul Asan Medical Center. Yoo reflected on the acting philosophy that Lee Soon-jae had often shared with him and other younger actors. He expressed his sadness at no longer being able to perform alongside Lee, remembering him as an actor with a strong sense of purpose. Yoo recalled how Lee performed nonstop for three to four hours in the 2021 play "King Lear." In 2023, Yoo, while serving as culture minister, had presented Lee with the Theater Arts Award at the 13th Beautiful Artist Award ceremony.

Fellow actors also paid tribute to Lee on social media. Song Seung-heon, who co-starred with Lee in MBC's 2011 drama "My Princess," remarked on Lee's profound performance and warm heart. Jung Il-woo, who played Lee's grandson in the beloved sitcom "High Kick!" shared several photos with Lee on Instagram, stating it was an honor to work with him when he was just starting his acting career.

Jin Ji-hee, who played Lee's granddaughter in "High Kick Through the Roof" from the same "High Kick!" franchise, expressed her appreciation for the opportunity to learn about Lee's seriousness about acting, his responsibility on stage, and his attitude toward life. Hwang Jung-eum, who also appeared in the sitcom, described Lee as a father figure. She recalled him as a warm father figure when she knew nothing about acting, expressing her deep gratitude for the love and memories he provided to many young actors.

The funeral procession is scheduled for Thursday.