Squid Game actor Lee Joo-sil has died three months after being diagnosed with stomach cancer. Lee played Hwang Joon-ho’s (Wi Ha-joon) mother in the second season of the dystopian Netflix drama. The 81-year-old died today at her family home in South Korean city Uijeongbu, national paper The Chosun Ilbo reports. Tributes have been paid on social media, with X user @akababelas sharing: ‘Omgggggg noooo my favourite grandma may her soul rest in peace.’.
![[Lee Joo Sil]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/SEI_238299380-5b0a.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=441)
Echoing their sentiment, @JenSvt133117 wrote: ‘May her soul rest in peace.’. @femspov said: ‘She was such a phenomenal actress. Rest in peace.’. @IraeDamian added: ‘Veteran actress Lee Joo Sil has sadly passed away after battling stomach cancer. Known for her role in Squid Game 2 and decades of iconic performances, she leaves behind a lasting legacy. May she rest in peace.’. K-drama star Lee was previously diagnosed with breast cancer 30 years ago and was given one month to live.
The outlet reports that after fighting the disease for 13 years she was given the all-clear. In November, she was diagnosed with stomach cancer during a check-up. Lee began acting professionally in 1964 and has appeared in multiple K-dramas in her decades-long career. Her credits include Country Diaries, The Uncanny Counter and The Present is Beautiful. Last year, Lee had a starring role in the Korean broadcaster KBS’s weekend drama Beauty and Innocent Boy.
On the big screen, Lee appeared in films including the hit action-horror film Train to Busan. What I Own: I quit London at 48 and bought my first home in Sussex for £325,000. Londoners are flocking to this ‘bustling’ neighbourhood 10 miles from the centre. London's cheapest place to rent revealed — but it might not be for long. If you live at this house number, your property could be 'cursed'. What I Own: I bought my £820,000 Nine Elms flat through a little-known saving scheme.
Lee has also starred in Beautiful Youth Jeon Tae-il, Sikgaek, You Are Far Away, Roaring Currents and Svaha. Got a story?. If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you. Arrow MORE: Amazon Prime fans rediscovering crime drama ‘that blows Peaky Blinders out the water’.
