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Lee Joo-Sil, ‘Squid Game’ Actress, Dies at 81 After Battle with Stomach Cancer

Lee had previously faced another life-threatening illness, having been diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer nearly 30 years ago.

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Lee Joo-Sil, ‘Squid Game’ Actress, Dies at 81 After Battle with Stomach Cancer

Lee Joo-sil, the South Korean actress known for her roles in Squid Game and Train to Busan, has passed away at the age of 81. According to The Chosun Ilbo, she died at her family home in Uijeongbu after a battle with stomach cancer, which she had been diagnosed with in November.

Lee had previously faced another life-threatening illness, having been diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer nearly 30 years ago. Despite doctors giving her only a year to live at the time, she defied the odds, battling the disease for 13 years before ultimately overcoming it.

Her acting career began in 1964, and she became widely recognized for her roles in several iconic productions. Lee is perhaps best known for her performances in Train to Busan, the Korean drama The Uncanny Counter, and the global Netflix hit Squid Game. In Squid Game, she portrayed the mother of Hwang Jun-ho (played by Wi Ha-joon), a determined police officer seeking to uncover the island where the deadly games are held. Her character was also the stepmother of the show’s antagonist, The Front Man (Lee Byung-hun), with their complex family dynamics playing a significant role in the second season.

Beyond Squid Game, Lee had a rich body of work that included stage productions such as Macbeth and Death of a Salesman, and TV dramas like It’s Beautiful Now, Would You Like a Cup of Coffee?, and Happiness.

In recognition of her exceptional contributions to the industry, Lee was awarded the Best Supporting Actress Award at the Wildflower Film Festival during her career.

Lee’s passing marks the end of an era for South Korean cinema and television, leaving behind a powerful legacy in the world of acting.

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