‘Squid Games’ Actress Passes Away at 81 After Cancer Battle

Lee Joo-sil, the veteran South Korean actress best known for her role in Netflix’s global hit Squid Game, has passed away at the age of 81.

Lee died peacefully at her home in Uijeongbu, South Korea, on Sunday, just three months after being diagnosed with stomach cancer, according to South Korean newspaper The Chosun Ilbo.

A Career Marked by Resilience

Lee’s battle with illness was not new. In her fifties, she was diagnosed with stage-three breast cancer and was given less than a year to live. Yet, in a story of remarkable perseverance, she defied the odds and was declared cancer-free 13 years later.

Her funeral will take place at Shinchon Severance Hospital on Feb. 5, where family, friends, and fans will pay their final respects to the legendary actress.

Remembering a Screen Icon

Lee Joo-sil was a staple of Korean entertainment, having begun her career in 1964 as a stage actress and voice actor. She played a pivotal role in Squid Game as Park Mal-soon, the mother of detective Hwang Jun-ho and stepmother to the show’s enigmatic villain, The Front Man. She appeared in the first two episodes of Season 2, which debuted in December 2024.

Her impact on the film industry extended beyond Squid Game. In 2016, she played a key role in Train to Busan, the international blockbuster that redefined the zombie genre. Lee also appeared in several acclaimed K-dramas, including The Uncanny Counter, Country Diaries, It’s Beautiful Now, and The Witch’s Diner.

Fans and Colleagues React

Lee’s passing has sent shockwaves through the entertainment community and among Squid Game fans worldwide. Social media platforms were flooded with messages of condolence.

“Nooo, I loved her :(,” one fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

“May she rest in peace,” another user shared.

“Oh my God, noooo,” lamented a third fan, expressing the deep sorrow many felt.

Despite her passing, Lee’s legacy in film and television will live on. Netflix and the creators of Squid Game have yet to release an official statement regarding her death, but her contributions to the series and Korean cinema are undeniable.

The Phenomenon of Squid Game

Squid Game remains one of Netflix’s most successful productions. Season 2, released in December 2024, saw a record-breaking 4.9 billion minutes streamed in one week, making it the most-watched series during that period. The second season follows Lee Jung-jae’s character, Player 456, as he returns to dismantle the deadly games once and for all.

The show’s influence continues to grow, with its third and final season set for release in June 2025. It remains unclear if Lee Joo-sil will make a posthumous appearance, as filming was completed before her passing.

Lee Joo-sil’s career spanned six decades, leaving an indelible mark on South Korean entertainment. She exemplified resilience, talent, and an unwavering dedication to her craft. Her work will continue to inspire future generations of actors and filmmakers.