Squid Game actress dies aged 81 just three months after devastating stomach cancer diagnosis
Veteran South Korean actress Lee Joo-sil has died at the age of 81 following a battle with stomach cancer, her agency confirmed on Sunday.
The actress, who most recently appeared in Netflix’s hit series Squid Game Season 2 as the mother of Hwang Jun-ho, passed away after being diagnosed with the illness three months ago.
Joo-sil played the character of Park Mal Soon in the dystopian drama’s second season, which was released on Boxing Day.
Joo-sil died at her family home in the South Korean city of Uijeongbu at approximately 10:20am local time.
She was admitted to Uijeongbu St. Mary’s Hospital after suffering cardiac arrest earlier in the day, where she was later pronounced dead.
Her agency, 1230 Culture, confirmed she had been diagnosed with stomach cancer in November following a decline in her health.
Joo-sil began her career in 1965 as a theatrical actress, becoming a prominent figure in South Korea’s theatre scene throughout the 1970s and 1980s.
She starred in acclaimed stage productions including Death of a Salesman and Macbeth.
Her work spanned across multiple mediums, including voice acting and television, with notable appearances in the long-running series Country Diary from 1980.
In 2016, she appeared in the horror film Train to Busan alongside Gong Yoo, playing his on-screen mother.
RIP Lee Joo-shil. The veteran South Korean actress, known for her role in Netflix’s “Squid Game” Season 2, has passed away at 81 after a battle with stomach cancer. Her legacy and talent will be deeply missed. #LeeJooShil #SquidGame #RIP pic.twitter.com/i5ShR0I6V2
— Jheck Plays (@JheckPlays) February 2, 2025
Her extensive filmography also included roles in Commitment, The City of Violence, and The Uncanny Counter.
Joo-sil had previously battled breast cancer after being diagnosed at stage 3 in 1993, when she was given just one month to live.
She fought the disease for 13 years before making a full recovery.
During her treatment, she pursued her education, completing a college degree and later earning a doctorate in public health from Wonkwang University in 2010.
She had openly discussed her cancer battles, sharing her experience with breast cancer during an appearance on MBN’s Special World programme.
Her funeral service will be held on February 5 at Severance Hospital in Sinchon, Seoul.
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Fans have taken to social media to pay tribute to the veteran actress.
“RIP Lee Joo Sil,” wrote one fan on social media platform X.
Another tribute read: “Actress Lee Joo Sil who played the role of Somun’s grandmother in The Uncanny Counter passes away today. Condolences. May she rest in peace.”
Her final performance in Squid Game Season 2 has already garnered significant viewership, with the series achieving 126.2 million views since its December release.