Beloved “Squid Game” Actress Lee Joo-sil Passes Away at 81
The entertainment world is mourning the loss of veteran South Korean actress Lee Joo-sil, who passed away at the age of 81. Known for her memorable role in the global phenomenon Squid Game, Lee died on Sunday at her family home in Uijeongbu, South Korea, as reported by The Chosun Ilbo. she had been battling stomach cancer since her diagnosis in November 2024.
Lee’s funeral will be held at Shinchon Severance Hospital on February 5, where friends, family, and fans will gather to pay their respects. Her passing marks the end of a remarkable career that spanned over six decades, leaving an indelible mark on Korean cinema and television.
A Legacy of Resilience and Talent
Lee Joo-sil’s journey was one of resilience. In her fifties, she was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer and given less than a year to live. Defying the odds, she received the all-clear from doctors 13 years later, a testament to her strength and determination.
Her portrayal of Park mal-soon in Squid Game endeared her to audiences worldwide. As the mother of police detective Hwang Jun-ho and the stepmother of The Front Man, Hwang In-ho, Lee brought depth and emotion to her character. She appeared in the first two episodes of Season 2, which premiered in December 2024. In the series, Hwang Jun-ho teams up with a fisherman to uncover the island where his stepbrother is orchestrating the deadly games.
It remains unclear whether Lee will appear in the third and final season of Squid Game, which was filmed before her death and is set to premiere on Netflix in June 2025.
A career Spanning Decades
Lee began her acting career in 1964, taking on roles in stage productions and voice acting. One of her most iconic performances was in the 2016 zombie thriller Train to Busan, where she played the grandmother of protagonist Seok-woo. Her filmography also includes beloved Korean dramas such as The Uncanny Counter, Country Diaries, It’s lovely Now, and The Witch’s Diner.
fans of Squid Game took to social media to express their grief. “Nooo I loved her :(,” one fan wrote on X. Another added, “May she rest in peace,” while a third exclaimed, “OH MY GOD NOOOOO.”
The impact of Squid Game
Squid Game has become a cultural juggernaut since its debut. Season 2 premiered in December 2024, following Lee Jung-jae’s Seong Gi-hun, aka Player 456, as he returns to the games to end them once and for all. According to Nielsen, the show was the most-viewed series in a single week in 2024, with 4.9 billion minutes watched between December 23 and December 29.It also became the third most-watched TV season on netflix,trailing only Squid Game Season 1 and wednesday.
As the world remembers Lee Joo-sil, her contributions to the arts and her unforgettable performances will continue to inspire generations.
| Key Details | Facts |
|——————|—————–|
| Name | lee Joo-sil |
| Age at Death | 81 |
| Date of Death| February 2, 2025|
| Cause of Death| Stomach Cancer |
| Notable Role | Park Mal-soon in Squid Game |
| Funeral Date | February 5, 2025|
Lee Joo-sil’s legacy will live on through her work, reminding us of the power of storytelling and the enduring impact of a talented artist.
