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South Korean actress Lee Joo-sil has died at the age of 81 after a courageous three-month fight against stomach cancer. She gained international recognition for her roles in popular series like Squid Game and critically acclaimed films such as Train to Busan. Lee’s career spanned several decades, beginning when she took the stage at the age of 20, and she became known for her remarkable versatility and depth as an actress.
On February 2, Lee’s agency announced that she suffered cardiac arrest and was quickly admitted to St. Mary’s Hospital in Uijeongbu, Gyeonggi Province, where she sadly passed away shortly thereafter. Her recent battle with stomach cancer marked her second encounter with a serious illness, as she had previously fought breast cancer decades earlier. A memorial honoring her contributions to the arts is currently set up at the Severance Hospital in Sinchon, western Seoul, and her funeral is scheduled for Wednesday.
Even while facing her illness, Lee remained dedicated to her craft. She recently participated in the highly anticipated second season of Squid Game, playing the role of the mother to undercover detective Hwang Joon-ho, portrayed by Wi Ha-jun. It remains uncertain if her character will appear in the third and final season, already filmed prior to her passing, but if so, it will mark Lee’s last appearance in the series set to premiere in June.
Throughout her esteemed career, Lee inhabited a variety of characters, with her most memorable performances often depicting compassionate maternal figures. She first made her mark in theater in 1965, appearing in over 200 productions. Notable performances included classic works such as Death of a Salesman and Macbeth. However, the 1980s and 1990s saw her transition into television and film, where her presence became a staple in the industry.
One of her most well-known roles was as Mrs. Kim in the long-running series Jeonwonilgi, which aired for 23 years and cemented her image as the archetypal “mom” in South Korean dramas. She subsequently starred in several other series, including The Uncanny Encounter from 2020 to 2023 and Heaven’s Garden from 2011 to 2012, as well as in films like Roaring Currents in 2014 and the emotional thriller Train to Busan released in 2016.
Lee Joo-sil’s absence will certainly leave a significant void in the South Korean entertainment landscape; her extensive body of work has had a lasting impact on audiences around the world. As one fan aptly remarked, “Once I saw her face in a KDrama, I knew it would be a good one. She had an infectious smile.”
Source
movieweb.com