According to Just Jared, Lee Joo-sil, a celebrated South Korean actress, passed away at the age of 81 on February 2, 2025, after suffering cardiac arrest. The actress had been battling stomach cancer, a diagnosis she received three months prior.
According to TVInisder, Joo-sil survived a breast cancer diagnosis in 1993 and was given one year to live. Lee told TVInsider “Everyone becomes stronger when faced with a crisis. If you let everything go, you become helpless.’ When a film company contacted me to work with them, I said, ‘I’m sick,’ they said, ‘That’s an illness, and we’re working.’ I was grateful for that kind of thinking,’”
In Squid Games, Joo-sil starred as the stepmother of Hwang In Ho and the mother of the undercover detective. Lee began her work in acting in 1980, starring in Lady President, Heaven’s Garden, and Stormy Women. Her final on-screen role was in The Uncanny Counter. Season 3 of Squid Games already finished filming and is set to release in June 2025, as this is the final season. Just Jared shares their thought on the passing of Lee Joo-il: “Our thoughts are with Lee Joo-sil‘s loved ones at this difficult time.”
With a career spanning several decades, Lee Joo-sil is best known for her role in Squid Game, where she portrayed the mother of Lee Jae’s lead character, Seong Gi-hun. In addition to the Netflix hit, she appeared in major Korean productions such as Train to Busan and The Uncanny Counter. Her extensive body of work left a lasting impact on the industry.
In addition to her recent health struggles, Lee had previously survived breast cancer. Despite her illness, she remained a respected figure in the entertainment world, admired for her talent and resilience.
As fans mourn her passing, many also anticipate the upcoming Squid Game Season 3, which had already completed filming before her death. The new season is scheduled for release in June 2025.