[전체] Actress Lee Joo-Sil Passes Away at 81 After Battle with Stomach Cancer

Actress Lee Joo-Sil (81) passed away on February 2 after a battle with stomach cancer. She was a beloved figure in the entertainment industry, known for her remarkable work in theater, drama, and film. Lee was widely recognized for her role as Hwang Jun-Ho’s (Wi Ha-Joon) mother in the Netflix series Squid Game 2, which marked her last on-screen appearance.

 

 

Table of Contents

1. Lee Joo-Sil's Passing After Stomach Cancer Battle 2. Breast Cancer Diagnosis and 13-Year Fight 3. A Diverse Career in Theater, Film, and TV 4. Her Final Role in Squid Game 2 5. Academic Achievements 6. Funeral Arrangements 7. Lee Joo-Sil’s Life and Legacy

 

1. Lee Joo-Sil's Passing After Stomach Cancer Battle

 

Lee Joo-Sil passed away at around 10:20 AM on February 2, 2025, at her family’s home in Uijeongbu. Despite being rushed to a hospital and undergoing CPR, she was unable to recover and passed away. The cause of death was reported as stomach cancer, which she had been diagnosed with just three months prior.

 

 

 

2. Breast Cancer Diagnosis and 13-Year Fight

 

In 1993, Lee Joo-Sil was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer, with doctors giving her just one year to live. However, she defied the odds and underwent chemotherapy, ultimately overcoming the disease after a grueling 13-year battle. She shared her experience publicly, stating that her children were a major source of strength during her recovery. Lee had said, "When faced with a crisis, everyone becomes stronger," revealing how she maintained her resolve through both the challenges of illness and the pressures of her career.

 

 

 

3. A Diverse Career in Theater, Film, and TV

Lee Joo-Sil made her debut as a theater actress in 1965 and appeared in over 200 plays, including Death of a Salesman and Macbeth. During the 1970s and 1980s, she became a prominent figure in the Korean theater community. She was revered as a mentor and role model for many younger actors.

 

In addition to her theater work, Lee also found great success in film and television. Her film credits include major works like Train to Busan, The Admiral: Roaring Currents, and The Servant. She also appeared in popular television dramas such as The Uncanny Counter and Current is Beautiful. Despite her age, Lee continued to work actively in the industry, impressing audiences with her versatility and skill.

 

 

 

4. Her Final Role in Squid Game 2

 

Lee Joo-Sil’s final role was in Squid Game 2, where she portrayed the mother of Hwang Jun-Ho (played by Wi Ha-Joon). Her performance in the second season of the global phenomenon was met with acclaim, and it is remembered as a fitting final tribute to her long and successful career. Lee's powerful portrayal of a loving and supportive mother added emotional depth to the series, further solidifying her legacy in both film and television.

 

 

 

5. Academic Achievements

In addition to her career in the entertainment industry, Lee Joo-Sil was also academically accomplished. Despite her long battle with cancer, she pursued higher education and earned a doctorate in public health from Wonkwang University. Her dissertation focused on the impact of integrated art therapy on the post-traumatic self-identity, self-esteem, and self-regulation of North Korean defector adolescents. Her academic achievements demonstrated her dedication to learning and her ability to balance both her artistic and intellectual pursuits.

 

 

 

6. Funeral Arrangements

Lee Joo-Sil’s funeral arrangements have been made at the Severance Hospital Funeral Hall in Sinchon, Seoul. The wake will be open to visitors starting on February 3, with the funeral scheduled for February 5.

 

 

 

7. Lee Joo-Sil’s Life and Legacy

 

Lee Joo-Sil’s legacy is marked by her resilience and dedication to both her craft and personal growth. She was not only a respected actress but also a role model for many, inspiring others with her strength during her cancer battle and her unyielding passion for her work. Her contributions to Korean theater, film, and television will be remembered by generations to come, and her story will continue to inspire those who face adversity.

 

Throughout her life, Lee Joo-Sil demonstrated that the arts are not only a form of entertainment but also a means of personal expression and healing. Her ability to persevere through difficult circumstances and remain an active participant in the creative world until the end of her life is a testament to her enduring spirit. Her influence will be felt for many years, both by her colleagues in the entertainment industry and by the audiences who admired her work.

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