SQUID Game actress Lee Joo-shil has died at the age of 81 after being diagnosed with stomach cancer three months ago.
Lee played Park Mal Soon, the mum of Hwang Jun-ho, in the second season of Squid Game, released just over a month ago on December 26.
She died today at her family home in the South Korean city of Uijeongbu.
Lee, born 1944, enjoyed a decades-long career that spanned the stage, film, television and K-drama.
She debuted as a young stage actress in 1964 and became renowned in South Korea‘s theatre scene during the 1970s and ’80s.
She made a name for herself starring in classic productions such as Death of a Salesman and Macbeth.
Lee also featured in films such as Country Diary in 1980 and recently Train to Busan in 2016.
Lee’s agency, 1230culture, said: “Approximately three months ago, actress Lee Joo Shil’s health declined, and she was diagnosed with stomach cancer after an examination from the hospital.”
The star was previously diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer in 1993 and given one year to live.
After a brutal 13-year battle, Lee became free from the disease.
In 2013 she said: “I found out at the end of stage 3 and it soon became stage 4. I overcame it well because I have children.
“Everyone becomes stronger when faced with a crisis.”
[bc_video account_id=”5067014667001″ application_id=”” aspect_ratio=”16:9″ autoplay=”” caption=” Squid Game viewer spots major filming blunder” embed=”in-page” experience_id=”” height=”100%” language_detection=”” max_height=”360px” max_width=”640px” min_width=”0px” mute=”” padding_top=”56%” picture_in_picture=”” player_id=”default” playlist_id=”” playsinline=”” sizing=”responsive” video_id=”6366765434112″ video_ids=”” width=”640px”]Incredibly, Lee completed a college degree during her breast cancer treatment.
She ultimately earned a doctorate in public health from Wonkwang University in 2010.
Squid Game fans have flooded social media with tributes to the late-actress.
One wrote on X: “Omg no my favourite grandma may her soul rest in peace.”
Another shared that Lee was “such a phenomenal actress”.
A third said: “Veteran actress Lee Joo-Sil has sadly passed away after battling stomach cancer. Known for her role in Squid Game 2 and decades of iconic performances, she leaves behind a lasting legacy. May she rest in peace.”
Squid Game 2 was the follow up to the wildly popular first series by Korean producer and writer Hwang Dong-hyuk.
Lee played the mother of the character played by Wi Ha Joon.
The first series was released on Netflix on September 17, 2021.
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