(Compiled reports) South Korean martial arts actor Hwang Jang-lee, renowned for his kicking techniques and roles in Hong Kong kung fu classics Snake in the Eagle’s Shadow (《蛇形刁手》) and Drunken Master (《醉拳》), died at Gangnam St Mary’s Hospital in Seoul on 12 November. He was 81.
Hwang made his mark in Hong Kong cinema in 1976 as the villain Silver Fox in The Secret Rivals (《南拳北腿》), dazzling film fans with his spectacular, powerful spinning kicks, high kicks and rapid combinations. But he was best remembered for playing the main villains opposite Jackie Chan in Snake in the Eagle’s Shadow and Drunken Master.
In 1978, Hwang played Eagle Claw master Shangguan Yiyun in Snake in the Eagle’s Shadow, starring Chan. His striking portrayal inspired Japanese manga artist Akira Toriyama’s assassin character Tao Pai Pai in the classic manga Dragon Ball (《七龙珠》). That same year, he played Thunderleg in Drunken Master, another film that helped make Chan a star. His signature chain kicks cemented his reputation among fans as a master of kicking techniques.
In an interview years later, Hwang recalled that while filming a fight scene with Chan for Snake in the Eagle’s Shadow, Chan appeared to have forgotten the choreography and failed to dodge in time. Hwang’s kick knocked out one of his front teeth.
Stepped back from acting in the 1990s
After 1990, Hwang stepped back from acting and returned to South Korea to go into business, running a golf apparel manufacturing company, a hotel and a bodyguard agency in succession. He continued to study martial arts, qualifying as a tai chi instructor after obtaining beginner and intermediate coaching certificates in 1992 and 1993 respectively. In January 2003, he was awarded a ninth-dan black belt in taekwondo and was respectfully known as “Grandmaster Hwang Jang-lee”.
Hwang’s family will hold his funeral on 15 November.
