Veteran Korean actor Byun Hee-bong, best known for his work with Oscar winner Bong Joon-ho on films such as 'Okja' and 'Memories of Murder,' has died. Deadline reported. He was 81. In a statement, Hee-bong's family revealed that the actor died Monday after a long battle with pancreatic cancer.

Born in southern Korea in 1924, Hee-bong began his career on stage before moving on to television. 'The First Republic' (1981), 'The Joseon Dynasty 500 Years: Seoljungmae' (1985), and 'The Legendary Doctor - Hur Jun' (1999) are among his major small screen credits.