‘Squid Game’ Actress Lee Joo-sil Dies at 81 After Battle with Cancer

The South Korean actress, known for her role as the mother of a detective in the global Netflix hit, passed away at her home on February 2, 2025.

Lee Joo-sil, a celebrated South Korean actress, passed away at 81 due to stomach cancer, diagnosed in November 2024.
She died on February 2, 2025, at her home in Uijeongbu, South Korea, after a brief illness.
Lee was internationally recognized for her role in Netflix’s ‘Squid Game,’ where she portrayed the mother of a key character, an undercover detective.
Her career spanned over six decades, beginning in 1964, with notable performances in theater, film, and television, including roles in 'Train to Busan' and 'Unheimliche Gegner.'
Lee previously overcame advanced breast cancer in her 50s, defying a grim prognosis to continue her career and inspire many.