Hwang Jang Lee, The Veteran Action Actor Who Fought Jackie Chan In “Drunken Master,” Dies At 81
Veteran action actor Hwang Jang Lee, who went up against Jackie Chan in the film “Drunken Master,” has passed away. He was 81.
Kim Jin Yong, former chairman of the Hwang Jang Lee World Martial Arts Federation, posted a tribute on his official social media on November 12, saying, “Hwang Jang Lee passed away on the morning of November 12 at Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital.” He continued, “The late actor left a distinct mark on the history of martial arts films around the world. His unrivaled kicks and intense acting in countless works, including ‘Drunken Master’ and ‘Sahyeongdosu,’ will remain forever in the memories of filmmakers and martial artists around the world.”
He added, “We will long remember the footsteps of a legend of the martial arts films who defined an era and the pride of Korean martial arts. I was happy to have been with you, grateful, and sorry.”
Born in 1944, Hwang Jang Lee worked as a taekwondo instructor before making his debut in the 1974 film “The Returning One-Legged Man.” He entered the Hong Kong film industry with the 1976 film “Namgwon Bukto” and appeared in martial arts films including “Sahyeongdosu,” “Drunken Master” and “Sa Mang Tap.”
In “Drunken Master” in particular, he played the villain Yeom Cheol Sim and showed off flashy kicking action based on taekwondo techniques. He drew worldwide attention as the character who stood against Jackie Chan. He then went back and forth between Korea and Hong Kong and was active as a martial arts actor, appearing in more than 340 films. In 1995, he also took part as martial arts director on the SBS drama “Sandglass.” He worked to promote Korean martial arts as chairman of the Hwang Jang Lee World Martial Arts Federation and as a promotional ambassador for the Kukkiwon World Taekwondo Headquarters.
His funeral altar has been set up in Room 13 of the Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital funeral hall. The funeral procession will be held at 8:50 a.m. on November 15.
Source: (A)
