Actress Lee Joo-sil has passed away at the age of 80 after battling stomach cancer. She took her last breath at 10:20 AM on February 2. Her funeral will be held at Severance Hospital in Sinchon. Visitors can pay their respects starting on February 3, and the funeral service is scheduled for February 5.
Lee Joo-sil’s health struggles had been ongoing for years. In a past interview, she revealed that she was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer and given only a year to live. She fought the disease for 13 years and was eventually declared cancer-free. However, a recent checkup confirmed the cancer had returned.
A Career Spanning Six Decades
Lee Joo-sil made her debut in 1964 and joined the 2nd TBC voice actor group in 1965. Her career in television and film lasted over 60 years, leaving a lasting impact on the industry.
She was known for her strong performances, often portraying motherly figures. Over the years, she appeared in several hit dramas, including:
- The Uncanny Counter (2020-2021) – Played Jang Choon-ok, So Moon’s grandmother.
- Squid Game (2021) – Portrayed Hwang Jun-ho’s mother.
- The Good Bad Mother (2023) – Played Jung Gum-ja’s mother-in-law.
- Divorce Attorney Shin (2023) – Portrayed Yang Bok-sun.
- It’s Beautiful Now (2022) – Played Jung Mi-young.
- Happiness (2021) – Appeared as Ji Sung-sil.
- Mystic Pop-up Bar (2020) – Portrayed Lee Kkeut-sun.
Her most recent role was in Beauty and the Pure Man (2023), where she played Hwang Joon-ho’s mother. She was also cast in Squid Game 2, making her part of one of Netflix’s most anticipated releases.
Also Read: Squid Game Season 2: Park Gyu-young Leaked Secrets & Stir Controversy
A Legacy That Lives On
Lee Joo-sil’s contribution to Korean entertainment will never be forgotten. She brought warmth and depth to every role, earning the respect of both audiences and fellow actors. Her dedication to acting remained strong even as she faced personal health battles.
Fans and industry colleagues are mourning her passing, remembering her for both her talent and resilience. Her decades of work will continue to be cherished by viewers around the world.
Kavita Mishra is a dynamic writer and passionate Korean entertainment enthusiast, combining her love for K-pop and K-drama with a flair for storytelling. With a keen eye for the latest trends, Kavita crafts articles that capture the pulse of K-pop idols, chart-topping hits, and the most buzz-worthy dramas taking over screens worldwide.