Veteran South Korean actress Lee Joo-Sil, best known for her role as Park Mal Soon in Squid Game Season 2, has passed away at the age of 81 after a battle with stomach cancer.

She died on February 2, 2025, at her family home in Uijeongbu, South Korea. Her funeral is scheduled for February 5, 2025, at Severance Hospital funeral hall in Sinchon, Seoul.

Born in 1944, Lee Joo-Sil's career spanned over five decades, starting in theater before transitioning to film and television. She gained recognition in classic stage productions such as Death of a Salesman and Macbeth.

She later starred in the long-running K-drama Country Diary (1980–2002) and played supporting roles in iconic films like Train to Busan (2016) and The Uncanny Counter.

In Squid Game Season 2, which premiered on December 26, 2024, Lee Joo-Sil played Park Mal Soon, the mother of Hwang Jun-ho (Wi Ha-joon) and Hwang In-ho (Lee Byung-hun), also known as the Front Man.

Her character played a key role in the emotional backstory of Hwang Jun-ho, the former police detective who infiltrated the games in Season 1 to search for his missing brother. In Season 2, Mal Soon's past and her relationship with both sons are explored, shedding light on In-ho's transformation into the ruthless overseer of the Squid Game.

Her performance was praised for adding depth and emotional weight to the season, portraying a mother caught between two sons on opposite sides of morality.

Lee was previously diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer in 1993 and given only one year to live, but she fought the disease for 13 years before eventually earning a doctorate in public health in 2010. Unfortunately, she was diagnosed with stomach cancer three months ago, which led to her passing.

Tributes from Fans and the Film Industry
Following her death, tributes have poured in from colleagues and fans, praising her contributions to South Korean cinema and television. Many expressed admiration for her resilience and talent, with one fan writing, “Rest in peace. Your performances were unforgettable”.

Lee Joo-Sil leaves behind a lasting legacy in the entertainment industry, and her work will continue to inspire generations to come.