Martial arts star Hwang Jang-lee dies at 81

Veteran martial arts actor Hwang Jang-lee, famous for his intense duel with Jackie Chan in the 1978 film 'Drunken Master', has died at the age of 81. Over a 30-year career, the former Taekwondo instructor appeared in approximately 340 films and taught the martial art to stars such as Sammo Hung and Michelle Yeoh.

Hwang Jang-lee, the veteran martial arts actor and president of the Hwang Jung-lee World Martial Arts Federation, has passed away at the age of 81. He left a lasting impression on global film fans through his intense confrontation with Jackie Chan in the Hong Kong martial arts film 'Drunken Master.' The news of the martial arts star's passing, who dominated the Hong Kong and Korean action film industries in the 1970s and 1980s with his signature swift and powerful Taekwondo kicks, has brought sorrow to both the film and martial arts communities.

Born in 1944 in Hamyang, Gyeongsangnam-do, the deceased pursued the path of a martial artist while working as a Taekwondo instructor. He later expanded his interests to film, making his acting debut in 1974 with 'Returned a Single-Legged Man.' Building a reputation as an action actor based on his solid martial arts skills and unique kicking techniques, he entered the Hong Kong film industry through 'The Secret Rivals' directed by Ng See-yuen in 1976.

The work that brought Hwang Jang-lee international fame was undoubtedly the Jackie Chan-led 'Drunken Master.' In this 1978 film, he played the villain Yim Tit-sam, engaging in a fierce duel with Jackie Chan. The brilliant and sophisticated kicks he showcased at the time left a deep impression on audiences. His fast, powerful high kicks and flexible movements based on Taekwondo were unique weapons that set him apart from other martial arts actors in Hong Kong action films.

Following the success of 'Drunken Master,' Hwang Jang-lee built his reputation as an action actor by appearing in several martial arts films, including 'Snake in the Eagle's Shadow' (1978) and 'Tower of Death' (1980). Notably, he did not stop at merely playing villains; he played a role in heightening dramatic tension by engaging in equal action battles with his opposing actors. His confrontation scenes with Jackie Chan are still discussed today as some of the most impressive action sequences in Hong Kong martial arts cinema.

The deceased appeared in approximately 340 films over 30 years, moving between Korea and Hong Kong. He was a representative actor of the Korean martial arts film industry in the 1980s and was beloved by genre film fans for his intense villains and unrivaled martial arts performances. His career, growing from a Taekwondo instructor to an international action star, is closely linked to the overseas expansion of Korean martial arts cinema.

His activities were not limited to acting. In 1983, he expanded his scope into directing with his debut in 'Kwangdong Viper.' He also contributed to the development of Korean action content by working across film and broadcasting, such as serving as an action director for the SBS drama 'Sandglass' (1995). Having experienced roles as an actor, director, and action director, he contributed significantly to the advancement of Korean action content.

The deceased's influence extended beyond the screen. He served as a Taekwondo instructor for units deployed to the Vietnam War and led efforts to promote Korean martial arts by holding seminars in various regions, including the Americas, Europe, and Latin America. He is also known as the person who taught Taekwondo to famous Hong Kong actors such as Sammo Hung and Michelle Yeoh, effectively spreading the techniques and spirit of Korean martial arts to the international film and martial arts communities.

He continued his international martial arts exchange activities by serving as the president of the Hwang Jung-lee World Martial Arts Federation and as a public relations ambassador for the Kukkiwon World Taekwondo Headquarters. Beyond the dynamic kicking action shown in films, he spent his life as a martial artist dedicated to the dissemination of Taekwondo and martial arts exchange.

Imprinted on global audiences as Jackie Chan's opponent in 'Drunken Master,' Hwang Jang-lee was an actor who embodied the intensity of Taekwondo action through the language of cinema. His passing marks the departure of a figure who decorated the history of an era of action films, having promoted the presence of Korean martial arts through numerous works and left an influence on junior actors and martial artists.

The funeral altar is set up in Room 13 of the Seoul St. Mary's Hospital Funeral Hall. The funeral procession will take place at 8:50 AM on the 15th.

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