Hwang Jang Lee

Biography

Hwang Jang Lee is a Korean martial arts film actor born in Osaka, Japan in 1944 to Korean parents. After World War II, his family returned to Korea, where he began learning Tai Chi at age 8 and Taekwondo at age 14, eventually earning a 7th-degree black belt. He worked as a martial arts instructor in Korea and later served as a military trainer in South Vietnam during the Vietnam War. He began his acting career in Korean cinema in 1974, then moved to Hong Kong in 1976 after director Ng See-yuen invited him to appear in the film "Southern Fist Northern Kick," where he played the notorious villain Jin Hu. He became famous for portraying the strongest villains in kung fu films. In 1978, he starred alongside Jackie Chan in "Snake in the Eagle's Shadow" as Shangguan Yiyun, the character that inspired Tao Pai Pai from the Japanese manga and anime Dragon Ball. That same year, he appeared in "Drunken Master" as Yan Tiexin, and his signature kicking technique earned him the title "Master of Kicking Techniques." In 1981, he produced, directed, and starred in "Borrowed Swordsman," marking his first positive role. He retired from acting in the 1990s, returned to South Korea, and managed a golf clothing company, a hotel in Seoul, and a security firm. He obtained Tai Chi instructor certifications in 1992 and 1993, and in January 2003 earned his 9th-degree Taekwondo black belt, styling himself "Master Hwang Jang Lee."