SQUID Game actress Lee Joo-shil has died at the age of 81 after being diagnosed with stomach cancer three months ago.
Lee played Park Mal Soon, the mum of Hwang Jun-ho, in the second season of Squid Game released just over a month ago on December 26.
![Squid Game guard in pink jumpsuit and mask holding a submachine gun.](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/splashnews-com-splash-news-pictures-685232499.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
The actress starred in Squid Game 2, released on Netflix on Boxing Day last year[/caption]
She died today at her family home in the South Korean city of Uijeongbu.
Lee got her start in the industry as a stage actress, and became renowned in South Korea’s theatre scene.
Squid Game fans have flooded social media with tributes to the late-actress.
One wrote on X: “Omg no my favourite grandma may her soul rest in peace.”
Another shared that Lee was “such a phenomenal actress”.
A third said: “Veteran actress Lee Joo-Sil has sadly passed away after battling stomach cancer. Known for her role in Squid Game 2 and decades of iconic performances, she leaves behind a lasting legacy. May she rest in peace.”
Squid Game 2 was the follow up to the wildly popular first series by Korean producer and writer Hwang Dong-hyuk.
Lee played the mother of the character played by Wi Ha Joon.
The first series was released on Netflix on September 17, 2021.