Veteran actor Lee Soon-jae has dismissed recent speculation about his health.

Clarifying the Situation

On August 20, Lee's agency told Dispatch, "Health issues? Absolutely not. Last year, Lee Soon-jae was hospitalized due to overwork. As a result, he lost some leg muscle and is currently undergoing rehabilitation." The agency emphasized that there are no other health problems and explained that limiting visits to avoid showing his weakened condition may have caused misunderstandings.

Plans for Return

Regarding his acting career, the agency noted, "He wishes to return to acting. We are considering roles that are not leading characters." They reassured fans, saying, "He has strong willpower and is actively working on leg rehabilitation. He will recover."

Lee had stepped down from the play Waiting for Godot last October after doctors recommended a three-month rest. He also canceled a lecture hosted by the Korea Arts & Culture Education Service, attended the KBS Drama Awards in December, but did not attend the Korean PD Awards in April.

The health rumors resurfaced after actor Park Geun-hyung's comments at a press event. Park mentioned difficulties in visiting Lee and hearing updates about him through acquaintances, which unintentionally sparked concern.