Seoul: Veteran actor Lee Soon-jae died Tuesday at the age of 91, his family said.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Lee was born in 1934 in Hoeryong, in what is now North Korea. His family relocated to Seoul prior to the 1950-53 Korean War. Lee embarked on his acting journey while attending Seoul National University, making his debut in the play "Beyond the Horizon" in 1956.

Lee enjoyed a prolific career, featuring in numerous TV dramas, films, and plays. He briefly ventured into politics, being elected as a lawmaker in 1992 as part of the then ruling Democratic Liberal Party.

Despite his advancing age, Lee continued acting into his 80s, until late last year when he canceled his play appearances due to health concerns.