Renowned South Korean actress Lee Joo-shil, celebrated for her roles in Squid Game and Train to Busan, has died at the age of 81. Her agency, 1230culture, confirmed that she passed away on Monday, January 27, following a battle with stomach cancer. Lee had previously overcome stage 3 breast cancer, which she was diagnosed with in 1993.
In a statement, her agency shared, “Approximately three months ago, actress Lee Joo-shil’s health began to decline, and she was diagnosed with stomach cancer after a hospital examination.”
Lee passed away at her family home in Uijeongbu, South Korea, where she had been receiving care since her stomach cancer diagnosis late last year.
Born in 1944, Lee enjoyed a prolific career spanning over five decades, working across theater, film, television, and Korean dramas. She made her stage debut in 1965 and became a celebrated figure in South Korean theater during the 1970s and 1980s. Lee earned critical acclaim for her performances in classic productions such as Death of a Salesman and Macbeth.
Her transition to screen acting saw her appear in numerous films and television dramas, including Country Diary (1980) and the 2016 zombie thriller Train to Busan. Most recently, she portrayed Park Mal-soon, the mother of Hwang Jun-ho (played by Wi Ha-joon), in the second season of Squid Game, which was released on December 26, just over a month ago.
Lee’s resilience was evident in her personal life as well. After being diagnosed with breast cancer, she fought the disease for over a decade while completing a college degree. She later earned a doctorate in public health from Wonkwang University in 2010.
Following the news of her passing, fans of Squid Game and her other works took to social media to pay tribute. One fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter), “Omg no, my favorite grandma. May her soul rest in peace.” Another described her as “such a phenomenal actress,” while a third commented, “Veteran actress Lee Joo-shil 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 highly anticipated follow-up to the global phenomenon created by Hwang Dong-hyuk. The original season premiered on Netflix on September 17, 2021, and became a cultural sensation. Lee’s role in the second season added depth to the series, further cementing her legacy as a versatile and beloved actress. Squid Game Sean 3 will also release soon on Netflix.
Lee Joo-shil’s contributions to the arts and her inspiring resilience will be remembered by fans and colleagues alike. May she rest in peace.
