Veteran martial arts actor Hwang Jang-lee, celebrated internationally for his unforgettable villainous roles opposite Jackie Chan in classic 1970s Hong Kong cinema, has died at the age of 82.

According to representatives from the Hwang Jang-lee World Martial Arts Federation, the legendary screen fighter passed away on November 12 at Seoul St. Mary's Hospital.

Born in 1944, Hwang initially built a strong foundation in martial arts as a Taekwondo instructor, even serving as a military instructor for troops dispatched to the Vietnam War. He transitioned into the film industry in the mid-1970s, making his debut in the 1974 movie Return of the One-Legged Man before breaking into the booming Hong Kong action scene with Secret Rivals (1976).

Hwang achieved global acclaim with his breakout performances in 1978. Most notably, he starred as the formidable antagonist facing Jackie Chan in the legendary kung fu comedy Drunken Master and the action classic Snake in the Eagle's Shadow. Famed for his blindingly fast, razor-sharp high kicks, Hwang brought authentic martial arts prowess to the big screen. Behind the scenes, he shared his expertise with top-tier Asian action stars, reportedly coaching luminaries like Sammo Hung and Michelle Yeoh.

Over a prolific career spanning three decades, Hwang appeared in roughly 340 films across South Korea and Greater China, cementing his status as a pillar of Asian martial arts cinema. Beyond acting, he expanded his creative footprint by directing features like Guangdong Viper in 1983 and lending his expertise as a fight choreographer for notable television projects, including the hit 1995 Korean drama Sandglass.

In his later years, Hwang dedicated himself to promoting martial arts globally, acting as the head of his namesake world martial arts federation and serving as an ambassador for Kukkiwon, the World Taekwondo Headquarters.

He is survived by family, colleagues, and fans worldwide. His funeral procession is scheduled for the morning of November 15 at Seoul St. Mary's Hospital.

[ⓒ Global Economic Times. 무단전재-재배포 금지]