Actor Hwang Jang-lee, renowned for his legendary footwork-heavy martial arts villain roles opposite Jackie Chan in films like Drunken Master, passed away at the age of 81 on November 12, hankyung.com reported.
Hwang Leaves Legacy as King of Kicks and Veteran
- Hwang passed away on November 12 at the age of 81, with his funeral procession scheduled for November 15.
- He earned the moniker “King of Kicks” through iconic antagonist roles alongside Jackie Chan in 1970s and 1980s Hong Kong action cinema.
- The Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs honored his legacy as a registered Vietnam War veteran.
Mourning a Martial Arts Icon
Fellow actor Han Ji-il visited the mortuary and shared memorial photographs on social media depicting floral wreaths sent by figures including President Lee Jae-myung, the Korea Film Actors Association, singer Nam Jin, and actor Wang Ho.
A commemorative message from the Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs was also revealed at the site, honoring the late actor for his service as a national merit recipient who fought in the Vietnam War.
“Our country is vigorously prospering as a free and democratic nation that serves as a model to the world through your great sacrifice and dedication,” the minister said, according to hankyung.com. “We will always remember that sublime sacrifice and dedication and pass it down to our descendants forever.”
From Taekwondo Instructor to Cinematic Antagonist
Hwang built his formidable reputation during the golden age of 1970s and 1980s Hong Kong martial arts cinema, specializing in high-impact villain roles and blistering kick sequences. Having worked extensively as a Taekwondo instructor, he broke into the film industry in 1974 with Back Alley before expanding his career into Hong Kong cinema in 1976 with Secret Rivals, hankyung.com reported.
His cinematic footprint cemented globally through fierce matchups against Jackie Chan in 1978’s Snake in the Eagle’s Shadow and Drunken Master.
Legacy in Domestic Action and Global Promotion
In domestic television, he served as the martial arts director for the landmark 1995 SBS drama Sandglass, hankyung.com reported.
In later years, he served as the president of the World Martial Arts Federation, dedicating his efforts to promoting traditional Korean martial arts on the international stage. His funeral service is set to be strictly observed on the morning of November 15.
