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Beloved 'Squid Game' Star Lee Joo-Sil Dies at 81

2/3/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Beloved South Korean actress Lee Joo-Sil, famed for her role in Netflix's Squid Game, passed away on February 2, 2025, at the age of 81 after a brave battle with stomach cancer. A survivor of stage 4 breast cancer, her remarkable six-decade career included iconic films like Train to Busan. Her funeral will take place on February 5 in Seoul.

History

Historical Context

South Korean actress Lee Joo-Sil's death highlights a significant era in Korean cinema. Following the 1997 Asian financial crisis, South Korea's film industry experienced a renaissance, producing globally acclaimed films like "Train to Busan" (2016). This period marked a shift in representation and storytelling, reflecting the nation's cultural evolution and resilience, which Lee embodied throughout her six-decade career.

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Story summary

Beloved South Korean actress Lee Joo-Sil, famed for her role in Netflix's Squid Game, passed away on February 2, 2025, at the age of 81 after a brave battle with stomach cancer. A survivor of stage 4 breast cancer, her remarkable six-decade career included iconic films like Train to Busan. Her funeral will take place on February 5 in Seoul.

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