Actor and martial arts star Hwang Jang-Lee reportedly passed away at the age of 81 at now Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital. News of Hwang’s death was announced on Thursday by Alessandro Jinyong Kim, Hwang’s PR representative.
Hwang was born in 1944 to Korean parents on December 21 at Aomori Prefecture on Honshu Island in Japan, and began martial arts at the age of 14, and held a ninth dan rank with the World Tang Soo Do General Federation. He began showcasing his craft in film by the 70s, more notably under the stewardship of producer Ng See Yuen, launching him into a career of Hong Kong stardom for the next twenty years opposite the likes of Jackie Chan, Sammo Hung, Cynthia Rothrock, Michelle Yeoh, and many more.
“Hwang Jang Lee, who left a significant mark on the history of martial arts films beyond Korea,” said Kim in a statement. “His unparalleled kicks and intense performances, shown in numerous works including the films ‘The Takeover’ and ‘The Executioner,’ will remain forever in the memories of world martial arts enthusiasts and martial artists.”
Kim added in part that the late Korean film star “was not just a film actor; he dedicated his life to promoting the excellence of Korean taekwondo to the world and promoting the exchange and development of Eastern and Western martial arts culture. We will remember the legacy of the legendary martial arts film that defined an era and the pride of Korean martial arts for a long time.”
Hwang was best known for portraying some of the best and most formidable films in Hong Kong cinema history including the Ng See-Yuen-produced Drunken Master and Snake In The Eagle Shadow opposite Jackie Chan. Other select credits include Magnificent Warriors and No Retreat No Surrender 2: Raging Thunder for which he also trained actor and bodybuilder Matthias Hues for his role as the villain, as well as Where’s Officer Tuba, The Invincible Armour, and Game Of Death II.
Our condolences go out to Hwang’s friends and family.