Hwang Jang-lee, the renowned martial artist known for his role in the classic Hong Kong kung fu film “Drunken Master,” has passed away at the age of 81 on November 12 in Seoul, South Korea. The sad news was confirmed by Kim Jin-yong, the former president of the World Martial Arts Federation, with the family planning to hold a funeral service on November 15.
From a young age, Hwang practiced Tai Chi and Taekwondo and moved to Hong Kong in the 1970s, where he revolutionized the aesthetic of action films with his powerful high kicks and strikingly choreographed moves.
In 1976, Hwang gained attention in the film “Southern Fist and Northern Legs,” where he played the villain “Silver Fox.” His stunning skills, including impressive spinning kicks and a series of rapid strikes, quickly made a mark in Hong Kong cinema. However, it was his portrayal of the main antagonist in Jackie Chan’s “Drunken Master” and “Snake in the Eagle’s Shadow” that left the most lasting impressions on audiences.
In 1978, Hwang took on the role of “Yen Tiexin” in “Drunken Master,” where his signature move, the “Raining Heart Kicks,” solidified his reputation as a master of leg techniques in the hearts of fans. That same year, he portrayed the cold and powerful character “Shangguan Yiyun” in “Snake in the Eagle’s Shadow,” a memorable character that inspired revered Japanese manga artist Akira Toriyama to create the character “Tao Paipai” in the iconic anime “Dragon Ball,” marking his influence on both film and comic realms.
Reflecting on his earlier experiences, Hwang recalled an incident during the filming of “Snake in the Eagle’s Shadow” where Jackie Chan, perhaps lost in the moment, failed to evade one of Hwang’s swift attacks, resulting in Hwang accidentally breaking one of Chan’s front teeth—a story that has become a fascinating anecdote in film history.
A true master of martial arts, Hwang had a strong perspective on his craft and was known for his candid views. He openly stated that “Drunken Master” was his favorite work, expressing joy in playing the villain. He humorously noted, “I just want to portray bad guys! In movies, the villains can dress smartly and stylishly, while the good characters look like beggars, dressed in rags.”
When discussing his filming philosophy, Hwang asserted, “Other actors may perform martial arts, but I am a real martial artist; I do not act!” He even criticized wire-fighting stunts for impeding his control over his body, declaring that they were “inconvenient and unrealistic.” Hwang insisted on using authentic martial arts skills to captivate audiences on the big screen.
After the 1990s, Hwang stepped back from the entertainment industry and returned to Korea, where he ran a golf apparel manufacturing company, a hotel, and a security agency. However, he never abandoned his love for martial arts, earning several Tai Chi coaching certifications and officially obtaining a ninth-degree black belt in Taekwondo in 2003, ascending to the respected status of a grandmaster within the martial arts community.