Veteran ‘Squid Game’ actress goes away after tragic cancerous

Lee Joo-ShilThe veteran South Korean actress best known for her role in “Squid Game” Season 2, has died at the age of 81, only three months after being diagnosed with stomach cancer.

The beloved actress died on February 2, 2025 in her family home in Uijeongbu, South Korea.

“Squid Game” Alumen’s funeral is set to take place in Severance Hospital Funeral Hall in Sinchon, Seoul, February 5, 2025.

‘Squid Game’ actress Lee Joo-Shil goes away at 81 after cancerous

Born in 1944, Lee Joo-Shil began his acting career in 1964, which originally made her mark in theater before heading to film and TV. She became a household name in South Korea during the 1970s and 1980s starring in classic productions such as “Death of a Salesman” and “Macbeth.”

Her film and TV credits include the long-standing “K-drama Country Diary” (1980–2002), the internationally acclaimed horror thriller “Train to Busan” (2016) and various supporting roles in hit dramas.

Most recently, she appeared in Netflix’s “Squid Game” season 2, which premiered on December 26, 2024. She portrayed Park Mal soon, mother of Hwang Jun-Ho, in what would be one of her last appearances on screen.

Inside her fight with cancer

Squid Games Season 2 Los Angeles Premiere

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Lee Joo-Shil was diagnosed with stomach cancer three months ago. Despite the reception of treatment, she ultimately bowed to the illness. However, this was not her first fight with cancer. She was previously diagnosed with breast cancer in step 4 in 1993 and had only one year to live.

Against all odds, she fought for the disease for 13 years, where she pursued higher education and later served a doctorate in public health from Wonkwang University in 2010.

Tribute pour in for the deceased actress

A huge doll from Netflix Original Series 'Squid Game' installed in Olympic Park in Seoul, South Korea

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Following the news of her passing, fans and co-actors have taken social media to honor Lee Joo-Shil’s remarkable heritage.

Many have praised her contribution to the South Korean cinema and TV, with a tribute reading, “Veteran actress Lee Joo-Shil has unfortunately died after fought for stomach cancer. Known for her role in ‘Squid Game 2’ and decades of iconic performances, she she Leaves a lasting legacy.

“May you find peace,” said another user of X, the social media platform previously known as Twitter.

“Rest in peace. I was really fascinated by your performance in every series I saw,” wrote a third. “I will remember you with great love.”

Lee Joo-Shil’s influence on the industry and her dedication to her craft will not be forgotten. As South Korea and Entertainment World mourns the loss of a legendary actor, her body of work will continue to inspire generations to come.

What happened in ‘Squid Game’ season 2?

Hwang Dong-Hyuk on Squid Game Season 2

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With “Squid Game” Season 2 leaves the audience on the edge of their seatsExpectation for Season 3 already reaches a fever height. Fans of the global Netflix phenomenon are eager to see where the survival drama with high effort will go next time, and creator and director Hwang Dong-Hyuk has begun to drop tempting hints about what’s in store.

In a recent interview, Hwang teased even greater turns, intense alliances and deeper dives into the show’s mysterious power structures. While plot details remain heavily protected, the director assured fans that the next season will continue to push both his characters and viewers to the border and force them to fight with moral dilemmas and shocking revelations.

“At this point, everything I have to say will be a spoiler, so I will be careful,” Hwang told Black. “But what I can say is that after Season 2 launches, I think we will soon advertise the launch date for Season 3. I probably expect it to be launched around the summer or autumn next year. “

Netflix previously confirmed that Season 3 will be the last rate set for release in 2025. Now that Season 2 is wrapped, fans wonder about the next chapter of the deadly game.

What to know about ‘Squid Game’ Season 3

Yim si-wan and jo yu-r at squid game premiere

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With “Squid Game”, which remains one of Netflix’s biggest successes, expectations are high for the last chapter.

Will Gi-Hunt take the organization down once and for all? Or will he be forced to play again?

Fans don’t have to wait long to find out, as season 3 is expected to premiere on June 27.