The U80 female star of 'Squid Game' suddenly left, the cause of the public's sour sadness

Actor Lee Joo Sil, a veteran star of Korean showbiz, died on February 2, at the age of 80, from cancer. Chosun reported that Ms. Lee collapsed and went into cardiac arrest at her home in Uijeongbu, South Korea.

She was taken to the emergency room, but she did not survive. She had a history of cancer, although she had recovered for a while, but at the end of last year, during a check-up, she was diagnosed with stomach cancer.

Since being diagnosed with breast cancer in 1993, Ms. Lee has been battling the disease. She once expressed optimism that she was always prepared for the worst. During his battle with the disease, the actor switched his career from theater to television and film, even earning a doctorate in public health from Wonkwang University. In a 2023 interview, she said, "Everyone gets stronger in the face of a crisis. If you let go of everything, you will become helpless."

Lee Joo Sil was born in 1944 and began his career as an actor on stage in 1965. She has participated in about 200 plays. In 2023, at the age of nearly 80, she plays Danny's mother (played by Woo Mi Hwa) in the drama 20th Century Blues.

In the field of film, she participated in films such as Oh My Baby, Present is Beautiful, The Uncanny Counter, You Are Far Away or the TV series Beauty and the Pure which ended in September last year... Most recently, she played the mother of Hwang Jun Ho (played by Wi Ha Jun) in the Squid Game series. In 2010, Lee Joo Sil received his Doctor of Public Health degree from Wonkwang University.

In addition, the star has starred in many famous works during his 60-year acting career, including the role of Gong Yoo's mother in Train to Busan, Myeongryang, Noodle House... The actor left a deep impression on Korean fans with his outstanding acting skills.

Actress Shim Eun-kyung sent a tribute to the late artist Lee Joo-sil. On the 3rd, Shim Eun-kyung shared on her personal channel, "I first met my teacher as a child through KBS's one-act drama 'Kkotnim.'"

She continued, "I still remember the warmth he encouraged and guided me when I was a child, even though I acted very well and I was always nervous," and recalling her memories with the deceased, the actress said, "The kindness of the teacher guided me to this day."

Shim Eun-kyung said, "I really want to see you in the same work afterwards, may you rest in peace, Ms. Lee Joo-sil. Thank you very much. I pray for the rest of her soul."

The funeral of the late Lee Ju-sil was held in Room 3 of the Severance Hospital Funeral Home in Shinchon on the 3rd. The funeral is believed to have been conducted by his son-in-law and two daughters, and the burial location has not yet been determined.

It can be said that a series of heartbreaking news about the passing of famous figures such as Lee Joo Sil and Tu Hy Vien continuously for 2 days has covered the Asian entertainment industry.

On February 3, the media reported that Taiwanese actress Tu Hy Vien had passed away at the age of 49. Her sister, Tu Hy De, confirmed that Tu Hy Vien died due to complications from flu pneumonia during a trip with her family to Japan.

After divorcing businessman Uong Tieu Phi, Tu Hy Vien reunited with DJ Koo Jun Yup after 23 years of separation, creating a love story like in the movie. The couple announced their marriage in February 2022, but just before the 3rd wedding anniversary, Tu Hy Vien suddenly left, adding to the pain.

On the same day, b-boy and songwriter Oh Sung Hoon also passed away. A music industry insider revealed to Xports News: "Oh Sung Hoon passed away in the early morning of February 3. Currently, his funeral is being prepared."

Oh Sung Hoon was an original member of the hip-hop group People Crew, which included MC Mong. He showed his talent by composing hit songs such as K.will's Love119 and Navi's Heart Damage. His passing has left Korean music fans grieving.

In addition, on February 3, fitness YouTuber Kim Woong Seo also passed away at the age of 38. His family announced via his social media account: "Kim Woong Seo, who has always been full of energy, has passed away due to an accident and is now on a long journey to heaven." However, on February 4, a note purporting to be Kim Woong Seo's will was released, leading to various speculations about the cause of his death.

On February 2, actress Lee Joo Sil passed away at the age of 80 after battling cancer. She is known for her roles in Voice 1, Save Me 2, The Uncanny Counter 1 & 2 and Hospital Playlist 2. Recently, she took on the role of Hwang Jun Ho's (Wi Ha Joon) mother in Squid Game 2.

With four tragic departures in just two days, netizens expressed their deep sadness. Many people have left comments such as "May they rest in peace", "No matter how many times I hear such news, I will never get used to it" and "It hurts to hear the news on these cold days", expressing their grief for the passing of these stars.

Thanh Lan: Actors with cancer like diva Hong Nhung, how are you living now? Thảo Mai17:27:47 10/04/2025Actor Thanh Lan participated in broadcasts on HTV such as: Listening to happiness, Youth shines, Mirror on the street... She participated in many plays, most notably the role of Reed in the play Late Destiny.