Veteran action actor Hwang Jung-ri, who faced off with Jackie Chan in "Drunken Master," has passed away at the age of 82.

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Hwang Jung-ri, a veteran action actor and president of the World Martial Arts Federation, who engaged in a showdown with Jackie Chan in the film "Drunken Master," has died.

According to the film industry on the 13th, Hwang passed away on the 12th. He was 82 years old.

Kim Jin-yong, former chairman of the World Martial Arts Federation, announced the news of the late actor's death on the 12th, paying tribute by saying, "His unique kicks and powerful performances in numerous works, including 'Drunken Master' and 'The Killer,' will remain forever in the memories of film professionals and martial artists around the world."

He continued, "He was a martial artist who went beyond being a simple film actor, dedicating his life to introducing the excellence of Korean taekwondo to the world and fostering the exchange and development of Eastern and Western martial arts cultures. We will long remember his legacy as a legend of the martial arts films that defined an era and a source of pride for Korean martial arts."

The former chairman added, "I pray that he now sets down all heavy burdens and rests in peace. I offer my deepest condolences to the bereaved family and respectfully mourn the late actor's passing. It was a happiness and a gratitude to have been with him, and I am sorry."

Born in Hamyang, South Gyeongsang Province, in 1944, the late actor worked as a taekwondo instructor before making his film debut in "The One-Legged Man Returns" in 1974.

He made his first appearance in a Hong Kong film with "South Fist, North Kick" (1976), directed by Oh Sa-won, and subsequently gained recognition through appearances in numerous martial arts films such as "The Killer" (1978), "Drunken Master" (1978), and "Death Tower" (1980).

In particular, he received global attention for his spectacular kick action sequences while playing the villain Yom Cheol-sim in "Drunken Master," starring Jackie Chan. He subsequently established himself as a representative actor of the Korean martial arts film industry, appearing in over 340 films while working between Korea and Hong Kong.

Additionally, the late actor contributed to the promotion of taekwondo by teaching it to famous Hong Kong actors such as Sammo Hung and Michelle Yeoh.

The wake has been set up in Room 13 of the funeral hall at Seoul St. Mary's Hospital. The departure ceremony will be held at 8:50 a.m. on the 15th.

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original