# Lee Ho-jae (actor)

Lee Ho-jae (Korean: 이호재; born 2 May 1941) is a South Korean actor. Lee began his career on stage in 1963, in the play Of Mice and Men, and has appeared in numerous works of Korean theatre, film and television.
In 1977, with his fellow actor Jeon Moo-song, Lee performed in play Crown Prince Hamyeol (an adaptation of Hamlet) at La MaMa in New York City, which marked the first time a Korean theatre troupe had traveled outside Korea.
Lee was the first actor to win the Lee Hae-rang Theater Award [ko], one of the major theater awards in Korea. He has been praised as a master of speech for his restrained emotion acting. In 2011 Lee was awarded the Bogwan Order of Cultural Merit by South Korean government.

## Career
### Early career

Lee was born in Seoul and grew up in the Jongno-dong neighborhood. He's the eldest of 6 siblings, 3 boys and 3 girls. His father had a big business in dyes and pigments. Lee didn't plan to be an actor. He was an ice hockey player at Whimoon High School in Seoul. In the spring of 1960, He was a freshman in Yonsei University's Department of Political Science and Diplomacy. Because of his good voice, a senior appointed Lee him to read the April 19 Revolution Manifesto in student protest, but that incident made Lee expelled from university. He was wandering for two years, then in autumn 1962, he decided to enter newly established Korean Theater Academy, founded by Dongnang Yoo Chi-jin [ko] (1905-1974) which was predecessor of today Department of Theater and Film of Seoul Institute of the Arts. Class of 1962 was the first batch from the academy. Lee's fellow classmate included Shin Gu, Jeon Moo-song, Ban Hyo-jeong (who did not graduate), and playwright Yoon Dae-seong.
In 1963, Lee made his stage debut as Lenny Small in John Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men at the Myeongdong National Theater. The production was produced by a theater company owned by his friend, Kim Bul-rae (currently a former professor at Hongik University). In exchange for free drinks at his mother's bar, Kim convinced Lee to join the play.

### Career from 1964-1999

After graduating in 1964, Lee and his fellow classmate Jeon Moo-song became members of the Dongnang Repertoire Theater Company. However, in 1966, he was called to serve in the military for 36 months. Lee fulfilled his mandatory military enlistment by participating in the Vietnam War and was discharged in 1969. After a brief stint working in another company, he returned to the theater company. While with the Dongnang Repertoire Theater Company, Lee worked on major plays by playwright Oh Taeseok, including his original works "Chobun" and "Tae" (lifecord), as well as the adaptation of Molière's Scapin the Schemer called "Sootduki Play" (1974).
In 1975, Lee with his fellow actor Jeon Moo-song and playwright Oh Taeseok joined National Theater Company of Korea (NTCK). His most memorable and notable work there was Henrik Ibsen's play Peer Gynt.
In 1977, Lee with Jeon Moo-song and Oh Taeseok, joined Dongnang Repertory Theater Company's World Tour Return Commemorative Performance. Dongrang Repertory theater company led by CEO Yoo Deok-hyung (president of Seoul Institute of the Arts at that time) toured the world for about three months from March 9 to May 30 19777, sponsored by Joongang Ilbo, Dongyang Broadcasting, and the American Headquarter of International Theatre Institute (ITI), co-hosted by the Rockefeller Foundation in the United States). This was first full-fledged overseas tour of a Korean theater. The repertoire of this world tour theater performance is "Tae (Life Cord)" and Crown Prince Hamyeol (directed by Ahn Min-su, an adaptation of Shakespeare's original Hamlet).
Dongnang Repertory Theater Company's World Tour Return Commemorative Performance was held as an opportunity to attend the "World Theater Month" commemorative event hosted by the American Headquarter of International Theatre Institute (ITI), which held in New York, US, from March 15. Following the performance at the commemorative event, the troupe toured around the U.S. in Dallas, Minneapolis, Los Angeles, and Hawaii, as well as in Paris, France and the Netherlands. Before leaving the country, the troupe performed a commemorative performance of Tae (Life Cord), written by Oh Tae-seok, directed by Ahn Min-soo), one of the tour works, at the annex of the Seoul Citizens Hall from 22 to 24 February (hosted by JoongAng Ilbo and Dongyang Broadcasting). They started the tour at La MaMa in New York City.
Lee also joined Dongnang Repertory Theater Company in invitation performance of Crown Prince Hamyeol in American Headquarter of International Theatre Institute (ITI) World Theater Day, from 15 to 20 June 1977 in Los Angeles, United States.
Lee recognized as one of notable actor in history of South Korea modern theatre in the 70s. Lee was nicknamed "The Eternal Watchman of the Theater World" because he stayed in the theatre even when his seniors and colleagues left for television dramas and movies. Lee wanted to be financially independent by only do plays, but due to circumstances after marriage with children, since 1980s he was forced to also do radio, television dramas and films.
After five years with NTCK, he decided to be a freelancer. In the 80s, he worked with different theater company such as company Sanwoolim, Seongjwa, and Hyundai Theater.
In 1994, Lee debuted on the musical stage in The stars love each other with meaning in the world. The musical written by an active psychiatrist, Kim Jong-il, depicts the devastated mental world of Jung Hoon, who suffers from mental illness, through various events that happen in a dream overnight which is a reminder of the importance of life. Directed by Song Mi-sook, this work was performed at the Hakjeon Small Theater from December 1, 1994, to Januari, 1995.

### Career in 2000s

In 2005, Lee performed in the play "The Story of Two Knights Moving Around the World" by Betsuyaku Minoru, one of the leading playwrights in modern Japan. Additionally, in the same year, Lee and Jeon Moo-song reunited for the play "Dragon and Tiger Sangbak", directed by Oh Tae-seok. This project marked their first collaboration in eight years since "A Thousand Years of Beast" in 1997. It was also a special occasion as it marked exactly 30 years since the three of them had worked together to put on a performance at the Namsan Drama Center, where they had started their career.
Lee worked several times with playwright Lee Man-hee, his junior in at Whimoon High School in Seoul [ko]. One of their work together was play Let's Go Over the Hill (2007), a story of a love triangle between three friends at their sunset age. Lee also worked with National Theater Company's Oh Young-soo and Jeon Yang-ja. Directed by Lee Seong-sin, it was performed at the Hakjeon Blue Small Theater in Daehak-ro.
In 2010, Lee performed in the play Even if I deceive you (written by Lee Man-hee, directed by Ahn Kyung-mo to commemorates his 70th birthday.
In 2015, Lee joined project to celebrate the 110th anniversary of Dongnang Yoo Chi-jin, reenactment of The Han River Flows. The play performed at the Drama Center of Namsan Arts Center in Yejang-dong, Seoul. Oh Tae-seok, chair professor at Seoul Institute of the Arts, was the director and Dong-rang's son, Yoo Deok-hyeong, president of Seoul Institute of the Arts, will be the artistic director.
In 2017, four masters of the theater, met at the 2nd Neulpureun Theater Festival. Lee Ho-jae and fellow actor Oh Hyun-kyung represent actors, Director Kim Do-hoon and playwright Noh Kyung-shik represent creator. The masters have average age of 79 years old. In this festival Lee Ho-jae performed his play Let's Go Over the Hill. This was written by Lee Man-hee as tribute to him and the time of its premiere in 2007, it received a great response from the middle-aged audience with his warm and pleasant gaze toward the silver age and delicious lines. Directed by Choi Yong-hoon, the play performed at Daehangno Arts Theater from August 17 to 27, 2018.
In 2011, Lee was awarded the 2011 Order of Cultural Merit (Level 3) by the government.
Since 2018, Lee Ho-jae became one of member of Theater, Film and Dance Division of The National Academy of Arts.
In 2022, Lee performed on stage to commemorate the 60th acting anniversary. Lee Man-hee wrote a new play titled Jealousy dedicated to Lee Ho-jae. The play is centered on 'Wan-gyu' (Lee Ho-jae), who lives and runs a business alone in a plastic house office after divorce, and 'Chun-san' (Nam Myeong-ryeol), a friend. The drama depicts the romance of twilight with Sujeong (Nam Ki-ae), a local drugstore pharmacist. Directed by Choi Yong-hoon, the play performed from 27 May to 5 June 2022 at Hakjeon Blue, Daehangno, Seoul.

## Filmography
### Film

List of Film(s) :
| Year | Title | Title | Role |
| Year | English | Korean | Role |
| 1992 | The Woman Who Never Divorced [ko] | 이혼하지 않은 여자 | |
| 1992 | The Sutra of Hwaeom [ko] | 화엄경 | Beopun |
| 1994 | Taebaek Mountains | 태백산맥 | former director |
| 1995 | Rehearsal [ko] | 리허설 | Kim Myung-gun |
| 1997 | Father [ko] | 아버지 | Doctor Nam |
| 1997 | He Asked Me if I Know Zita [ko] | 그는 나에게 지타를 아느냐고 물었다 | Stranger |
| 1999 | End of the Century [ko] | 세기말 | Chun |
| 2000 | Libera Me | 리베라 메 | Lee In-ho |
| 2002 | Yesterday | 예스터데이 | Chief of Police |
| 2003 | Star [ko] | 별 | Noh doctor |
| 2003 | Run to You [ko] | 런 투 유 | Chairman Lee Doo-yong |
| 2006 | The Railroad | 경의선 | Min-soo's father |
| 2008 | Little Prince | 어린왕자 | Han Jeong-tae |
| 2008 | Love and War: The Twelfth Man [ko] | 사랑과 전쟁: 열두 번째 남자 | |
| 2010 | Man of Vendetta | 파괴된 사나이 | old gentleman |
| 2015 | The Priests | 검은 사제들 | the spirit buoy |
| 2018 | Default | 국가부도의 날 | YS |

### Television drama series

List of Television Work :
| Year | Title | Title | Role |
| Year | English | Korean | Role |
| 1973 | 113 Investigation Headquarters | MBC 113 수사본부 | various minor roles |
| 1980 | Song Buried in the Ground | TBC 땅에 묻은 노래 | |
| 1980 | People of the Land | TBC 그땅의 사람들 | |
| 1980 | Country Diary | MBC 전원일기 | various minor roles |
| 1981 | 1st Republic | 제1공화국 | Seo Sang-il |
| 1981 | Korea Fantasy Song | 코리아 환상곡 | |
| 1983 | Country | 개국 | Baegeuk-nyum |
| 1983 | Mama of Autumn Palace | 추동궁 마마 | Jeongdojeon |
| 1984 | The Independence Gate | 독립문 | Lee Sang-jae |
| 1984 | Guest History | 객사 | |
| 1984 | The Governor-General of Korea | 조선총독부 | Gojong in Joseon |
| 1984 | Missing You | 그리워 | |
| 1985 | Separate Song | 이산별곡 | |
| 1986 | Nirvana Festival | 열반제 | Chōyeongeosa |
| 1987 | A Broadcaster | 어느 방송인 | |
| 1987 | Ehwa | 이화 | Heungseon Daewongun |
| 1987 | Can't Go Country | 갈 수 없는 나라 | |
| 1988 | In Search of History | 역사를 찾아서 | |
| 1988 | Chosun White Porcelain Maria Award | 조선백자 마리아상 | |
| 1989 | Forest Does Not Sleep | 숲은 잠들지 않는다 | |
| 1990 | Night Train | 밤기차 | |
| 1990 | The Sinner We Love | 우리가 사랑하는 죄인 | |
| 1991 | Happiness Dictionary | 행복어사전 | Yoon Doo-myung |
| 1991 | Slime | 미늘 | |
| 1993 | The Third Republic | 제3공화국 | Choi Young-hee as Jung Il-Hyung |
| 1995 | Kim Gu | 김구 | Lee Dong-hwi Station |
| 2000 | Sound of Thunder | 천둥소리 | Seon-jo |
| 2002 | Friends | 프렌즈 | Ji-hoon's father |
| 2004 | I'm Sorry, I Love You | 미안하다, 사랑한다 | Min Hyun-seok |
| 2006 | Princess Hours | 궁 | Gongnae-gwan |
| 2006 | Just Run! | 일단 뛰어 | Noh Seok-jung |
| 2007 | Prince Hours | 궁S | Jisinsa |
| 2008 | My Sweet Seoul | 달콤한 나의 도시 | Eun-soo's father |
| 2008 | Lawyer of Great Republic of Korea | 대한민국 변호사 | Choi Soo-soo |
| 2008 | Worlds Within | 그들이 사는 세상 | middle-aged actor |
| 2008 | The Return of Iljimae | 돌아온 일지매 | Iljimae's biological father |
| 2009 | Tamra, the Island | 탐나는도다 | Park Chul (Park Gyu's father) |
| 2010 | Flames of Desire | 욕망의 불꽃 | Yoon Sang-hoon |
| 2011 | Listen to My Heart | 내 마음이 들리니? | Tae Seung-ho |
| 2013 | MBC Drama Festival: "Sunlight Noon Jung's Amazing Funeral" | MBC 드라마 페스티벌 - 햇빛 노인정의 기막힌 장례식 | Choi Ong-sik |
| 2014 | Golden Cross | 골든크로스 | Kim Jae-gap |
| 2015 | Oh! My Grandma | 오!할매 | Ki-chan |
| 2015 | The Scholar Who Walks the Night | 밤을 걷는 선비 | Mun-jo |
| 2015 | Mom | 엄마 | Cho Jang |
| 2016 | Squad 38 | 38 사기동대 | Choi Chul-woo |
| 2016 | The Doctors | 닥터스 | Hong Du-sik |
| 2016 | Solomon's Perjury | 솔로몬의 위증 | Chairman of the Political Foundation |
| 2016 | The Legend of the Blue Sea | 푸른 바다의 전설 | Cameo |
| 2017 | Queen of Mystery | 추리의 여왕 | Cameo |
| 2017 | Stranger | 비밀의 숲 | Minister of Justice Young Il-jae |
| 2018 | Mysterious Personal Shopper | 인형의 집 | Eun Ki-Tae |
| 2018 | Mr. Sunshine | 미스터 션샤인 | Go Sa-hong |
| 2019 | My Only One | 하나뿐인 내편 | Chairman Song |
| 2019 | Romance Is a Bonus Book | 로맨스는 별책부록 | Kang Byung-jun |
| 2019 | Perfume | 퍼퓸 | Choi Jang-tae |
| 2019 | Justice | 저스티스 | Seo Dong-seok |
| 2019 | The Tale of Nokdu | 조선로코 - 녹두전 | the old man who threw a stone |
| 2021 | Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha | 갯마을 차차차 | Dusik's grandfather (special appearance) |
| 2021 | Reflection of You | 너를 닮은 사람 | Koo Gwang-mo |
| 2022–2023 | Bean Pods in My Eyes | 내 눈에 콩깍지 | President Jang |
| 2023 | Divorce Attorney Shin | 신성한, 이혼 | Seo Chang-jin |

### Television show

List of Television Work :
| Year | Title | Title | Role | Ref. |
| Year | English | Korean | Role | Ref. |
| 1999-2009 | The Clinic for Married Couples: Love and War | 부부클리닉: 사랑과 전쟁 | Associate judge | |

## Stage
### Theater performances as member of Dongnang Repertoire Theater Company

Theater performances as member of Dongnang Repertoire Theater Company :
| Year | Title | Title | Role | Theater | Date | Note(s) |
| Year | English | Korean | Role | Theater | Date | Note(s) |
| 1964 | Othello | 오셀로 | James | Namsan Drama Center | — | |
| 1964 | Prince of Magic/The Demon Prince | 마의태자 | Pil Seon | Namsan Drama Center | September 23 to 28 | |
| 1966 | Shame | 수치 | | Namsan Drama Center | March 9–12 | |
| 1966 | I Want to Be Human | 나도인간이되련다 | - | Namsan Drama Center | May 16 to 20 | |
| 1969 | Life | 인생 | Hwang Deok-sam | Namsan Drama Center | 1969.6.27–6.30 | |
| 1970 | The Birthday Party | 생일파티 | Petey | Namsan Drama Center | October 5–20 | |
| 1971 | Surplus or not | 잉여부부 | | Namsan Drama Center | October 1–10 | |
| 1971 | Betting on love adaptation of Sleuth | 사랑을내기에걸고 | Andrew Wyke | Namsan Drama Center | 1971.11.26—12.12 | |
| 1972 | Sootduki Play adaptation of Scapin the Schemer | 쇠뚝이놀이-스카펭의간계 | Scapin | National Theater | April 17–21 | |
| 1972 | Romeo and Juliet | 로미오와 줄리엣 | | Namsan Drama Center | 1972.9.30–10.9 | |
| 1973 | Grass Tomb (Chobun) | 초분 | ensemble casts | Namsan Drama Center | 1973.4.4-4.15 | |
| 1973 | King Lear | 리어왕 | King Lear | Namsan Drama Center | 1973.11.1–11.18 | |
| 1974 | The Birthday Party | 생일파티 | Petey | Myongdong Arts Theater | 1974.4.18–4.22 | |
| 1974 | Tae (Lifecord) | 태 | King Sejo | Myongdong Arts Theater | April 18 to 22 | |
| 1974 | Tae (Lifecord) | 태 | King Sejo | Namsan Drama Center | May 17 to June 30 | |
| 1974 | Succession a.k.a Mass Game | 출세기 (일명 "매스·게임") | | Namsan Drama Center | 1974.10.20–11.6 | |
| 1974 | Luv | LUV | Milt | Namsan Drama Center | 1974.5.17–6.30 | |
| 1975 | Grass Tomb (Chobun) | 초분 | ensemble | Namsan Drama Center | April 13 to 26 | |
| 1975 | Grass Tomb (Chobun) | 초분 | ensemble | Namsan Drama Center | May 8 to 9 | |
| 1975 | Prince of Magic/The Demon Prince | 마의태자 | Pil Seon | Myeongdong Arts Theater | July 3 to 7 | |
| 1975 | Prince of Magic/The Demon Prince | 마의태자 | Pil Seon | Busan Civic Center | August 16 to 17 | |
| 1975 | Barefoot in the Park | 맨발로공원을 | Paul Bratter | Namsan Drama Center | October 9 to 20 | |
| 1975 | Tae (Lifecord) | 태 | King Sejo | Namsan Drama Center | November 8 to 16 | |

### Theater performances as member of Dongnang Repertoire World Tour

Theater performances as part of Dongrang Repertoire World Tour :
| Year | Title | Title | Role | Theater | Date | Ref. |
| Year | English | Korean | Role | Theater | Date | Ref. |
| 1977 | Dongnang Repertory Theater Company's World Tour Return Commemorative Performance — Lifecord | 태 | King Sejo | Civic Hall Annex building | February 22–24 | |
| 1977 | Dongnang Repertory Theater Company's World Tour Return Commemorative Performance — Prince Immortal (Hamlet) | 하멸태자 | Claudius | tour of 16 cities in 3 countries in the United States, France and the Netherlands | March 9–May 30 | |
| 1977 | ITI US Headquarters' World Theater Day invitation performance—Price Immortal (Hamlet) | 하멸태자 | Claudius | ITI US Headquarters Civic Center Annex | June 15–June 20 | |

### Theater performances as member of NTOK

Theater play performances as member National Theatre Company of Korea :
| Year | Title | Title | Role | Theater | Date | Note |
| Year | English | Korean | Role | Theater | Date | Note |
| 1975 | Jing Birok | 징비록 | Shin Shin-jin | National Theater Grand Theater | March 1 to 9 | |
| 1975 | The Myth of Gorangpo | 고랑포의 신화 | Warrior Kim | National Theater Grand Theater | June 24 to 29 | |
| 1975 | Wild Field | 광야 | Na Geol-seok | National Theater Grand Theater | August 6 to 11 | |
| 1975 | Wilhelm Tell | 빌헬름 텔 | Werner Stauffacher | National Theater Grand Theater | November 27 to December 1 | |
| 1976 | Roar | 함성 | Lim Byung-chan | National Theater Grand Theatre | Feb 27 to Mar 2 | |
| 1976 | Sontag Hotel | 손탁호텔 | Lim Cheol-gyu | National Theater Grand Theatre | June 10 to 13 | |
| 1976 | Night of January 16th | 1월 16일 밤에 생긴 일 | juror | National Theater Small Theatre | August 27 to 30 | |
| 1976 | Peer Gynt | 페르귄트 | Peer Gynt | National Theater Grand Theatre | September 24 to 28 | |
| 1976 | A Graveyard Looking Northward) | 북향묘 | Lee Seong-gye | National Theater Grand Theatre | November 25 to 29 | |
| 1977 | Boy with a Straw Hat | 초립동 | General Gyebaek | National Theater Grand Theatre | March 2 to 6 | |
| 1977 | Faust | 파우스트 | Wagner | National Theater Grand Theatre | June 29 to July 3 | |
| 1977 | The Late Christoper Bean | 크리스토퍼의 죽음 | Haget | National Theater Small Theatre | September 15 to 19 | |
| 1978 | Forest of Massacre | 학살의 숲 | Ha Myung-ho | National Theater Grand Theatre | November 24 to 28 | |
| 1978 | Emile Bell | 에밀레종 | Il-jeon | National Theater Grand Theatre | March 1 to 5 | |
| 1978 | Look Homeward, Angel: a Story of the buried life | 천사여 고향을 보라 | Ben | National Theater Small Theatre | April 19 to 28 | |
| 1978 | Black River | 흑하 | Choi Jin-dong | National Theater Grand Theatre | June 21 to 24 | |
| 1978 | Look Homeward, Angel: Story of the buried life | 천사여 고향을 보라 | Ben | National Theater Small Theatre | June 30 to July 3 | |
| 1978 | Splash | 물보라 | Shin Ki-ri | National Theater Small Theatre | September 15 to 24 | |
| 1978 | Splash | 물보라 | Shin Ki-ri | National Theater Small Theatre | November 8 to 12 | |
| 1979 | Guest House | 객사 | Daedal | National Theater Grand Theatre | February 28 to March 4 | |
| 1979 | Dom Juan | 동쥐앙 | Snagarelle | National Theater Small Theatre | April 19 to 26 | |
| 1979 | Becket | 베케트 | Henry II | National Theater Grand Theatre | June 26 to July 2 | |
| 1979 | The Portrait of Shaman | 무녀도 | villain | National Theater Small Theatre | September 4 to 13 | |
| 1979 | Sachugi | 사추기 | Kim Sam-mak | National Theater Small Theatre | December 12 to 18 | |

### Theater performances as freelancer

Theater play performances as freelancer :
| Year | Title | Title | Role | Theater | Date | Ref. |
| Year | English | Korean | Role | Theater | Date | Ref. |
| 1977 | Waiting for Godot | 고도를 기다리며 | Estragon | Samil-ro Changgo Theater | | |
| 1977 | Anna Christie | 안나 크리스티 | Chris | Civic Center Annex | Aug 26–30 | |
| 1978 | Pharmacist | 약장사 | pharmacist | Space Love | January 1978 | |
| 1978 | Shizuyu Banji is Dead | 시즈위 밴지는 죽었다 | Shizuyu Banji | Theater Hall Cecil Theater | Dec 8–15 | |
| 1980 | Archery while Looking at the Sky | 하늘 보고 활쏘기 | Archer | Theater | 1980 | |
| 1981 | The Island | 아일랜드 | John | Experimental Theater | Feb 6-March 31 | |
| 1982 | Jurassic People | 쥬라기의 사람들 | People | Center Culture and Art Hall Grand Theater | Oct 7–12 | |
| 1982 | Wedding Day | 시집가는 날 | Man | Arts and Culture Center grand theater | Dec 18—19 | |
| 1982 | The Taming of the Shrew | 말괄량이 길들이기 | Petrucio | Sungui Music Hall | June 1–7 | |
| 1982 | The Taming of the Shrew | 말괄량이 길들이기 | Petrucio | Art and Culture Center Grand Theater | 1982.5.27-5.31 | |
| 1983 | Red and White | 적과백 | Lee Hak-gu | Arts and Culture Center Grand Theater | Sep 16–21 | |
| 1983 | Red and White | 적과백 | Lee Hak-gu | Daejeon Civic CenterMokpo Central TheaterBusan Civic CenterJinhae Maritime TheaterDaegu Civic CenterChungbuk Arts Center | Oct 27–Nov 3 | |
| 1984 | Toh's Birth | 토선생전 | Malttugi | Culture and Art Hall Grand Theater | Dec 12 | |
| 1984 | 10th Theater Company Sajo Performance — Toseonsaengjeon | 제10회 극단사조 공연 — 토선생전 | Pettttt | Art and Culture Center Grand Theater | 1984.12.12–12.12 | |
| 1986 | Poison | 독배 | | Daehangno Theater | June 15–July 15 | |
| 1986 | Padam Padam Padam | 빠담 빠담 빠담 | Paul | Sejong Center for the Performing Arts Grand Theater | Dec 24–28 | |
| 1987 | Room in the Woods | 숲속의 방 | Father | Small theater Sanwoollim | April 3–30 | |
| 1987 | Impossible | 불가불가 | Actor 5 | Arts and Culture Center Grand Theater | Oct 3–7 | |
| 1987 | Miss Julie | 쥴리양 | Jang | Arts and Culture Center Small Theater | Dec 7–16 | |
| 1988 | Aquarium | 수족관 | Edgar | Daehangno Theater | March 18–April 23 | |
| 1988 | Poison | 독배 | Lee Ho-jae | Daehangno Theater | June 15–July 15 | |
| 1988 | (1988) Culture and Arts Festival Seoul International Theater Festival: Impossible | (1988) 문화예술축전 서울국제연극제 : 불가불가 | Actor 5 | Arts and Culture Center Grand Theater | Aug 22–26 | |
| 1989 | Hamlet | 햄릿 | King | Hoam Art Hall | April 15–23 | |
| 1990 | Accidental Death of an Anarchist | 어느 무정부주의자의 사고사 | Mad man | Sanwoolim Theater | April 3–May 6 | |
| 1990 | The Story of Chŏnde-gi | 뻔데기전 | | Experimental Theater Unni-dong, Seoul | June 29 to July 22 | |
| 1990 | Antony and Cleopatra | 안토니와 클레오파트라 | Anthony | Experimental Theater Hoam Art Hall | Oct 20–Nov 4 | |
| 1990 | Night Inn | 밤주막 | Sa-jin | Arts and Culture Center Grand Theater | Dec 3–27 | |
| 1991 | The Marriage of Figaro | 휘가로의 결혼 | Figaro | Arts and Culture Center | June 27 | |
| 1991 | Jonadab | 요나답 | Jonadab | Arts and Culture Center | 12.5–12.11 | |
| 1991 | Macbeth | 맥베드 | Machbeth | Arts and Culture Center Grand Theater | Feb 27–March 5 | |
| 1991 | The Post Office | 우체국 | Amal | Seoul Arts Center's Towol Theater | 4.16-5.9 | |
| 1991 | Macbeth | 맥베드 | Machbeth | Culture and Art Hall Grand Theater | May 9–15 | |
| 1991 | Rise | 출세기 | Villager | Culture and Art Hall Grand Theater | Nov 15–28 | |
| 1992 | (New Wave) Shin Jang Han-mong | (신파극)新 장한몽 | Jang Man-gil | Arts and Culture Center Grand Theater | March 23–31 | |
| 1992 | Shin Jang Han-mong | 新 장한몽 | Jang Man-gil | Arts and Culture Center Grand Theater | May 7–20 | |
| 1992 | The Three Sisters of Anton Chekhov | 안톤·체홉의 세자매 | Clugin | Arts and Culture Center Grand Theater | July 1–8 | |
| 1992 | 16th Seoul Theater Festival: Strangers | 제16회 서울연극제: 이방인들 | Yeon Ki-seop | Arts and Culture Center Grand Theater | Sep 2–7 | |
| 1992 | Equus | 에쿠우스 | Dysart | Experimental Theater | Nov | |
| 1993 | A Pig and a Motorcycle | 돼지와 오토바이 | man with a cigarette | Bukchon Changwoo Theater | March 24– May 27 | |
| 1994 | Macbeth | 맥베드 | Macbeth | Arts and Culture Center Grand Theater | May 24–30 | |
| 1994 | Stalin | 스탈린 | Stalin | Gangnam | June | |
| 1994 | The Constant Wife | 아내란 직업의 여인 | John | Hoam Art Hall | November 11 to 27 | |
| 1994–1995 | The stars love each other with meaning in the world | 별님들은 세상에 한 사람씩 의미를 두어 사랑한다는데 | Jung Hoon | Hakjeon Small Theater | Dec 1–Jan 31 | |
| 1995 | Three Women Living Alone | 혼자사는 세 여자 | Sam | Jeongdong Theater | 8.1–8.20 | |
| 1995 | I Am Hamlet | 나는 햄릿이다 | Hamlet | Seoul Arts Center | November 1st to December 30th. | |
| 1996 | Clowns of the Empire | 제국의 광대들 | manager | Arts and Culture Center Grand Theater | April 15–23 | |
| 1996 | The Bridges of Madison County | 메디슨 카운티의 다리 | Robert Kincaid | Yonkang Hall | Sep 6–Sep 22 | |
| 1997 | Festival of Rainy Days | 비오는 날의 축제 | Professor Choi | Dongsung Art Center Small Theatre | Sep—Nov 9 | |
| 1998 | A Thousand Years of Beasts | 천년의 수인 | Ahn Doo-hee | Dongsung Art Center Small Theatre | May 8–June 14 | |
| 1998 | An Enemy of the People | 민중의 적 | Doctor Thomas Stokeman | Sejong Center for the Performing Arts small auditorium | March 20 to April 6 | |
| 1999 | Uncle Tongja and the Giant Tree | 툇자아저씨와 거목 | Lee Tae-gong | Arts and Culture Center grand theater | July 14–22 | |
| 1999 | Love | 사랑 | | Yonkang Hall | Nov 24–Dec 19 | |
| 1999 | Shinwi of the Joseon Dynasty | 조선제왕신위 | In-Jo | Arts and Culture Center grand theater | 12.17–12.26 | |

### Theater performances as freelancer in 2000s

Theater play performances as freelancer :
| Year | Title | Title | Role | Theater | Date | Ref. |
| Year | English | Korean | Role | Theater | Date | Ref. |
| 2000 | Please Turn Off the Light | 불 좀 꺼주세요 | Sa-nae (man) | Seoul Arts Center Towol Theater | 3.4–3.26 | |
| 2001 | Hello You | 당신, 안녕 | Dok Go-young | Arts and Culture Center Small Theater | 3.16–4.4 | |
| 2001 | Hamlet | 햄릿 | Claudius | National Theater Haeoreum Theater | 09.07–09.16 | |
| 2001 | 2001 SPAF Seoul Performing Arts Festival: Princess Bari | 2001 SPAF 서울공연예술제: 바리공주 | Baek-du | Sejong Center for the Performing Arts small theater | 10.12–10.15 | |
| 2002 | A Streetcar Named Desire | 욕망이라는 이름의 전차 | Friendship Appearance | Center for Arts and Culture Arts Theater grand theater | 7.6–7.17 | |
| 2002 | Lean on Someone's Shoulder | 누군가의 어깨에 기대어 | Ahn Kwang-nam | Center for Arts and Culture Arts Theater small theater | 2002.6.7–6.23 | |
| 2003 | 11th Young Theater Festival — Mara and Thaad | 제11회 젊은연극제; 마라와 사드 | Kuul-Mie | Creative concert hall | 6.27–6.29 | |
| 2003 | Thief Who Stole The Buddha | 붓다를 훔친 도둑 | Monk | Small theater egg and nucleus | 2.6–3.2 | |
| 2003 | Graduate | 졸업 | Ahn Pil-sang | Literature Promotion Institute art theater small theater | 10.25–11.2 | |
| 2003 | Death of a Salesman | 세일즈맨의 죽음 | Willy Loman | Arko Arts Theater Small Theater | 05.21–06.01 | |
| 2005 | A Story of Two Knights and the World of Knight Errantry | 세상을 편력하는 두 기사 이야기 | Knight 1 | Arko Arts Theater Small Theater | 03.24–04.10 | |
| 2005 | Love Letter | 러브레터 | Andy | Hanyang Repertory Theater | 10.21–12.31 | |
| 2005 | Dragon and Tiger | 용호상박 | Beom | Namsan Drama Center | Nov 24–Dec 7 | |
| 2006 | Number | 넘버 | Salter | installation theater Jeongmiso | 5.18–6.4 | |
| 2007 | Dragon and Tiger | 용호상박 | Beom | Namsan Drama Center | Feb 17–Feb 25 | |
| 2007 | Let's Go Over the Hill | 언덕을 넘어서 가자 | Wan-ae | Hakjeon Blue Small Theater | 05.24–06.10 | |
| 2007 | Forever Love | 영영 사랑 | Man | Namsangol Hanok Village Seoul Namsan Gugakdang | 12.06–12.16 | |
| 2008 | 2008 Seoul Theater Festival - Dr. Cook's Garden | 2008 서울연극제 - 쿠크 박사의 정원 | Dr. Leonard Cook | Arko Arts Theater Grand Theater | 05.16–05.25 | |
| 2008 | Human Time | 인간의 시간 | Lee Won-hyeong | Arko Arts Theater Grand Theater | 12.19–12.27 | |
| 2009 | 2009 Seoul Theater Festival - Impossible | 2009 서울연극제 - 불가불가 | Director role in the play | Arko Arts Theater Grand Theater | 05.09–05.15 | |
| 2009 | The Seafarer | 뱃사람 | Richard Harkin | Arko Arts Theater Grand Theater | 10.08–10.18 | |
| 2009 | Unhyeongung Brother (2009) (10th) Okrang Drama Award Winner | 운현궁 오라버니 | Park Young-ho | Namsan Arts Center | 12.4–12.13 | |
| 2010 | Amy's View | 에이미 | Frank | Arko Arts Theater Small Theater | 02.05–02.21 | |
| 2010 | General Oh's Claw | 오장군의 발톱 | East country commander | Myeongdong Arts Theater | 04.09–04.25 | |
| 2010 | Amy's View - Daejeon | 에이미 - 대전 | Toby | Daejeon Arts Center Ensemble Hall | 04.29–05.01 | |
| 2010 | Even If They Betray You | 그대를 속일지라도 | Lee Jin-baek | Arko Arts Theater Grand Theater | June 18–27 | |
| 2011 | 2011 Seoul Theater Festival Invitational Performance: Gaze - The night I moved in, I first heard a man's voice | (2011) 서울연극제 기획초청공연: 응시 - 이사 온 날 밤, 처음 남자의 음성을 들었습니다 | Jun-tae | Daehakro Arts Theater Grand Theater | 05.12–05.15 | |
| 2011 | The Habit of Art | 예술하는 습관 | Fitz (Oden) | Myeongdong Arts Theater | 06.21–07.10 | |
| 2011 | Woyzeck | 보이체크 | Doctor | Daehakro Arts Theater Grand Theater | 08.21–09.10 | |
| 2011 | Amadeus | 아마데우스 | Antonio Charlieri | Myeongdong Arts Theater | 12.07–01.01 | |
| 2012 | Tuesday with Morrie | 모리와 함께한 화요일 | Morrie | Arko Arts Theater Small Theater | 05.31–06.17 | |
| 2012 | Long Journey into The Night | 밤으로의 긴 여로 | Tyrone | Myeongdong Arts Theater | 10.12–11.11 | |
| 2013 | The Women Who Stole a Battlefield | 전쟁터를 훔친 여인들 | General | National Theater Company, Baek Baek-hee Jang Min-ho Theater | 11.27–12.08 | |
| 2013 | Amy | 에이미 | Frank | Myeongdong Arts Theater | 02.15–03.10 | |
| 2013 | Creditors | 채권자들 | Gustav | Arko Arts Theater Small Theater | 05.10–05.26 | |
| 2014 | Skylight | 스카이라잇 | Tom Sergeant | Daehakro Arts Theater Small Theater | 06.12–06.26 | |
| 2015 | The House Where Boy B Live | 소년B가 사는 집 | Dad | National Theater Company Baek Baek Hee Jang Min Ho Theater | 04.14–04.26 | |
| 2015 | Han River Flows | 한강은 흐른다 | Ensemble | Namsan Arts Center Drama Center | 06.18–06.28 | |
| 2016 | Theater Visit | 연극 방문 | Lee Joo-yong | Arko Arts Theater Small Theater | 02.04–02.21 | |
| 2016 | Longevity Association | 장수상회 | Kim Seong-chil | Dongsung Art Center Dongsung Hall | 05.05–05.29 | |
| 2016 | Mother | 어머니 | Pierre | Myeongdong Arts Theater | 07.14–08.15 | |
| 2016 | Unpleasant Pleasure | 불역쾌재 | Gyeong-suk | LG Art Center | 10.26–11.06 | |
| 2017 | Longevity Association-Chuncheon | 장수상회 - 춘천 | Kim Seong-chil | Chuncheon Culture and Arts Center | 05.13–05.13 | |
| 2017 | (2017) SPAF Seoul International Performing Arts Festival: White Rabbit Red Rabbit <Lee Ho-jae> | (2017) SPAF 서울국제공연예술제: 하얀 토끼 빨간 토끼 <이호재> | himself | Arko Arts Theater small theater | 9.24–9.24 | |
| 2017 | The 2nd Never Blue Theater Festival - Let's Go Over the Hill | 제2회 늘푸른 연극제 - 언덕을 넘어서 가자 | Wan-ae | Daehakro Arts Theater Small Theater | 08.17–08.27 | |
| 2017 | Cat on a Hot Tin Roof | 뜨거운 양철지붕 위의 고양이 | Big Daddy | Seoul Arts Center CJ Towol Theater | 10.18–11.05 | |
| 2019 | Leben des Galilei (Life of Galileo) | 갈릴레이의 생애 | Inquisitor, University Treasurer | Myeongdong Arts Theater | 04.05–04.28 | |
| 2022 | 5th Chinese Play Reading Performance: Jojo and Yang Su | 제5회 중국희곡 낭독공연: 조조와 양수 | Lee Ho-jae | Myeongdong Arts Theater | April 14–16 | |
| 2022 | Jealousy | 질투 | Wan-gyu | Hakjeon Blue Small Theater | 05.27–06.05 | |
| 2022 | Macbeth | 맥베스 | Macbeth | National Theater of Korea | October 10 | |
| 2023 | Othello | 오셀로 | Brabantio | CJ Towol Theatre | 05.12–06.04 | |

## Awards and nominations

Award(s) and Nomination(s) received :
| Year | Award ceremony | Category | Nominee / Work | Result |
| 1972 | Hankook Ilbo Theater Film Arts Award | Best New Actor | Surpluss or Not | Won |
| 1972 | 8th Korean Drama and Film Arts Awards | Best New Actor | Surpluss or Not | Won |
| 1977 | 2nd Korean Theater Arts Awards Korea Theater Association | Best Actor Theater | Peer Gynt | Won |
| 1977 | 13th Korean Theater and Film Arts Awards | Best Actor Theater | Peer Gynt | Won |
| 1977 | Hankook Ilbo Theater Film Arts Awards | Best Actor Theater | Peer Gynt | Won |
| 1981 | 17th Korean Drama and Film Arts Awards | Best Actor Theater | Island | Won |
| 1988 | 25th Dong-A Theater Awards | Best Actor Theater | Aquarium | Won |
| 1989 | 25th Baeksang Arts Awards | Best Actor Theater | Aquarium | Won |
| 1991 | 27th Baeksang Arts Awards | Best Actor Theater | The Story of Chŏnde-gi | Won |
| 1992 | Actors Association Acting Award | Best Actor Theater | Lee Ho-jae | Won |
| 1992 | 16th Seoul International Theater Festival | Acting Award | Stranger | Won |
| 1994 | 4th Lee Hae-rang Theater Award | Actor | Lee Ho-jae | Won |
| 2003 | Seoul Institute of the Arts Alumni Association | Light of Life Award | Lee Ho-jae | Won |
| 2006 | Busan International Film Festival | Actor of the Year Award | Lee Ho-jae | Won |

### State honors

List of State Honour :
| Country | Award Ceremony | Year | Honor | Ref. |
| South Korea's Government | Korean Culture and Arts Awards | 2011 | Bogwan Cultural Merit (Level 3) | |
| The Seoul Metropolitan Government | 51st Seoul Culture Awards | 2002 | Award in Performance Category | |

### Listicle

Name of publisher, year listed, name of listicle, and placement :
| Publisher | Year | List | Placement | Ref. |
| DongA Ilbo | 2003 | [Best in our field selected by professionals] Plays and musicals — Best Actor | 1st | |