The Tragic Loss: Veteran 'Squid Game' Actress Lee Joo-sil Dies At 81 After Cancer Battle

The global entertainment world is mourning the loss of a true South Korean screen legend. As of early February 2025, news broke that veteran actress Lee Joo-sil, who recently appeared in the highly anticipated Squid Game Season 2, has passed away at the age of 81. Her death marks a poignant moment for fans who were just beginning to see her work on the massive Netflix platform, reminding us of the fragility of life even as we celebrate the art she left behind.

The actress, celebrated for a career spanning over five decades in film, television, and theater, died on February 2, 2025, after a short but courageous battle with stomach cancer. Lee Joo-sil's passing is a significant loss to the Korean cinema landscape, and this article serves as a tribute to her life, her extensive filmography, and her final, memorable role in the Squid Game universe.

A Life in the Spotlight: Lee Joo-sil's Complete Biography

Lee Joo-sil was a revered figure in the South Korean acting community, known for her powerful performances and dedication to the craft. Her career was a masterclass in versatility, often taking on roles as a compassionate mother, a stern elder, or a figure of quiet strength.

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• Full Name: Lee Joo-sil (이주실)
• Date of Birth: March 8, 1944
• Date of Death: February 2, 2025
• Age at Death: 81
• Birthplace: South Korea
• Cause of Death: Cardiac arrest following a diagnosis of stomach cancer.
• Education: Graduated from Sudo Girls' High School; later obtained a bachelor's degree in Welfare Psychology.
• Years Active: Over 50 years in film, television, and theater.
• Notable Roles: Park Mal Soon in Squid Game Season 2, a role in Train to Busan (2016), and appearances in popular K-Dramas like The Uncanny Counter (2020).
• Known For: Her work as a prolific character actress, often portraying maternal figures in Korean cinema and drama.

Her dedication was evident not just on screen but also in her personal life, where she pursued further education in Welfare Psychology, showcasing a commitment to understanding the human condition that she so expertly portrayed in her acting.

The Final Bow: Lee Joo-sil's Role in 'Squid Game Season 2'

For a global audience, Lee Joo-sil’s most recent and high-profile role was in the much-anticipated second season of the Netflix phenomenon, Squid Game. Her character, Park Mal Soon, was central to the continuation of one of the first season's most compelling storylines: the fate of the missing detective.

Who Was Park Mal Soon?

Park Mal Soon is the on-screen mother of detective Hwang Jun-ho, played by actor Wi Ha-joon. Jun-ho was the undercover police officer who infiltrated the deadly games in Season 1, only to disappear after a confrontation with the Front Man, who was revealed to be his own brother, Hwang In-ho.

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Lee Joo-sil's role in Squid Game 2, though likely a supporting one, was emotionally significant. She represented the human cost and lingering questions left by the games, particularly for the family members of those who either vanished or were involved. Her brief but impactful performance in Episode 2 of the new season provided a critical emotional anchor, as her character continued to search for or grieve her missing son.

The veteran actress's ability to convey deep sorrow and maternal love with minimal screen time is a testament to her half-century of experience. Her scene with Wi Ha-joon was widely praised for its raw, heartbreaking portrayal of a mother's desperation.

A Legacy Beyond Netflix: The Extensive Career of a Korean Cinema Veteran

While her appearance in Squid Game introduced her to a new generation of international viewers, Lee Joo-sil's reputation in South Korea was already cemented as a Korean cinema veteran. Her work spanned numerous genres and formats, showcasing a remarkable dedication to her craft.

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Major Film and Drama Contributions

Lee Joo-sil was a prolific actress, with a filmography that includes over 50 years of work. Her most recognizable roles outside of Squid Game include:

• Train to Busan (2016): A small but memorable role in the globally successful zombie horror film.
• The Uncanny Counter (2020): She appeared in this popular K-Drama, further proving her relevance in contemporary television.
• Hommage (2022): Playing the character Ok-Hee, a role that was critically well-received.
• New Normal (2023): Portraying Kyu-Yeon, continuing her active work well into her late 70s.

Her career trajectory is a shining example of longevity and adaptability in the demanding Korean entertainment industry. She seamlessly transitioned from the stage to television and then to the global streaming platform of Netflix, maintaining a high standard of performance throughout.

The Poignant Reality: Other Cast Members and Misinformation

The news of Lee Joo-sil's death naturally brings to mind the passing of other actors associated with the show, which is a common search query among fans. It is important to distinguish between real-life losses and on-screen character deaths.

Clarifying Misinformation

The search term "Squid Game actor death" has often been associated with other names in the past, leading to confusion among fans:

• Heo Sung-tae (Jang Deok-su, Player 101): The actor who played the gangster Deok-su is alive and well. The confusion stems from his character's brutal on-screen death in the Glass Bridge game.
• Jung Chae-yull: A young Korean actress who tragically passed away in 2023. While she was a contemporary in the industry, there is no confirmed information that she had a role in the main Squid Game series, although she was working on other K-Dramas at the time of her death.
• Oh Yeong-su (Oh Il-nam, Player 001): The actor who played the elderly player is alive, though he has recently been involved in legal matters, which has kept his name in the news.

Lee Joo-sil's passing is a confirmed, recent, and genuine loss to the cast of Squid Game Season 2. Her death from cardiac arrest following a battle with stomach cancer was confirmed by her talent agency, 1230Culture, on February 2, 2025.

Remembering a Legend

Lee Joo-sil's death is a profound reminder of the generational talent that underpins the success of Korean media. Her career, marked by quiet strength and enduring passion, provided a foundation for the global recognition that K-Dramas and K-Films now enjoy. Her final role as Park Mal Soon ensured that her face and her talent would be seen by millions worldwide, a fitting, though heartbreaking, curtain call for a monumental career.

The Squid Game production team and her co-stars, including Wi Ha-joon, have expressed their condolences, celebrating her contributions to the series and the industry at large. Her legacy will live on in her extensive body of work, a treasure trove of Korean cinematic history for fans to explore.