Veteran theater actor Jeon Seong-hwan has passed away at the age of 85. According to the Korea Theater Association, he died on August 31 at 5 p.m. His funeral altar has been set up at Busan On General Hospital, and the ceremony will be conducted as a National Theater Community Funeral.

A Pioneer of Busan's Theater Scene

Born in 1940, Jeon settled in Busan during the January–Fourth Retreat of the Korean War in 1951. Together with his late brother Jeon Seung-hwan, he founded the theater troupe "Avant-Garde Stage" in 1963. He was regarded as a cornerstone of Busan's performing arts scene, working not only as an actor but also as a director, makeup artist, and producer.

By 2001, he had appeared in more than 160 works, including notable productions such as Death of a Salesman and Rashomon. His versatility made him a respected figure in both classical and modern theater.

Expanding Beyond the Stage

Jeon also made his mark in film and television. He appeared in movies such as Ogu (2003), The Bow (2005)—which brought him to the Cannes Film Festival red carpet—and Joseonjok Lady (2007). His television credits include The Legend (2007), King of Baking, Kim Tak-goo (2010), and Tree with Deep Roots (2011).

Recognized for His Contributions

Throughout his career, Jeon received multiple honors, including the Korean Theater Arts Award and the Busan Cultural Award in 1989. In 2001, he became the first local theater actor to receive the prestigious Lee Hae-rang Theater Award. He was also honored with the Busan Arts and Culture Grand Prize and the Proud Theater Person Award from the Korea Theater Association.

Jeon's funeral will take place on September 3 at 9 a.m., with the burial at Yeongnak Park Siloam. His passing marks the end of an era for the Busan theater community, where he remains a deeply respected figure.