'Squid Game' actress Lee Joo Sil passes away at 80

Veteran actress Lee Joo Sil died at 80 due to stomach cancer on Sunday morning in Uijeongbu-si, Seoul. 

Lee’s agency, 1230 Culture, confirmed her passing on Monday and also disclosed that she had been receiving treatment for her illness over the past three months.

Known for her roles in Squid Game 2 (2024) as the mother of Hwang Jun Ho (Wi Ha Joon) and Hwang In Ho (the Front Man) and Train to Busan (2016) as Seok-woo’s (Gong Yoo) mother. 

Lee’s remains have been moved to Severance Hospital in Sinchon, Seoul, where fans and mourners can pay their respects beginning February 3.

“Her funeral will be held at  the Shinchon Severance Hospital, with visitation open from February 3. The final service is scheduled for February 5,” part of her agency’s statement read.

This wasn’t her first battle with cancer. 

Back in 1993, the 50-year-old actress was diagnosed with stage-three breast cancer. After a decade, she was declared cancer-free.