South Korean veteran actress Lee Joo Sil, passed away in her family home on Sunday, February 2, a representative from her agency, 1230 Culture confirmed on the same day. She was 81.
Reports of the “Squid Game 2” actress’ passing indicated that she had suffered from cardiac arrest on Sunday, and was transferred to St. Mary’s Hospital in Uijeongbu, Gyeonggi, but was later pronounced dead.
“Actress Lee Joo Shil passed away on the morning of this day.” the statement from her agency, translated by Soompi said.
“Approximately three months ago, actress Lee Joo Shil’s health declined, and she was diagnosed with stomach cancer after an examination from the hospital,” it added.
Approximately 30 years ago, Joo Sil was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer and was given a one-year prognosis. She fought the disease for over 10 years and eventually overcame it. However, in 2024, she was diagnosed with stomach cancer, a disease she would be battling until the end of her life.
Joo Sil’s remains have been transferred to the Severance Hospital in Sinchon, Seoul, the Korea JoongAng Daily’s report indicated. Mourners can pay their respects to the late actress on February 4.
Joo Sil’s career spanned six decades, starting out with voice acting and theater performances in 1964. She had previously appeared in stage productions of “Death of a Salesman” and “Macbeth.”
Her on-stage charisma carried on through numerous on-screen projects like “Country Diaries,” “The Uncanny Counter,” and the beloved horror flick “Train to Busan,” where she starred opposite Gong Yoo.
In 2024, Joo Sil starred in the drama “Beauty and Mr. Romantic,” and the hit Netflix series “Squid Game 2.”
