Drunken Master star Hwang Jang-lee (Thunderleg) dies at 81

Legendary South Korean martial artist and film star Hwang Jang-lee has died at 81.

The news of his passing was announced by his PR representative, Alessandro Jinyong Kim, on Thursday. The Drunken Master star reportedly died at Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital.

Hwang rose to prominence in the 1970s through Hong Kong martial arts cinema, becoming one of the most feared villains in the genre.

Nicknamed ‘Thunderleg’ and ‘Lord of the Superkickers‘, he became a household name after featuring as the main antagonist in two iconic Jackie Chan films.

Hwang helped revolutionise on-screen combat by introducing high-flying, rapid-fire Taekwondo kicking techniques into traditional Chinese martial arts cinema. He became renowned for his ability to execute spectacular triple jump kicks with remarkable ease.

Hwang Jang-Lee was known for his triple jump kicks

His sharp facial features, intimidating glare and incredible kicking speed made him one of the most formidable screen villains of his era. His performances also provided rising stars such as Jackie Chan with formidable opponents to overcome.

Hwang’s distinctive appearance and villainous persona in films such as Snake in the Eagle’s Shadow and Drunken Master are also believed to have inspired the character Mercenary Tao, also known as General Tao, in the Dragon Ball manga and anime series.

How did Hwang Jang-Lee become famous?

In 1978, Hwang portrayed the deadly Eagle Claw master opposite Jackie Chan in Snake in the Eagle’s Shadow, a film that helped propel Chan towards superstardom.

A year later, he reunited with Chan in Drunken Master, playing the formidable Thunderleg, further cementing his status as one of martial arts cinema’s most iconic villains.