South Korean authorities have confirmed the death of actor Lee Sun-kyun, renowned for his role in the Oscar-winning film “Parasite”. The 48-year-old actor was found unconscious in a car in one of Seoul’s main parks on Wednesday. The circumstances of his death are currently unclear, but there was a report of him leaving home after writing a note, raising concerns about the possibility of suicide.
Lee had been the subject of an investigation into alleged drug use since October. In the acclaimed film “Parasite”, Lee portrayed the head of the affluent Park family, a role that contributed significantly to the movie’s international success, including an Oscar win for Best Picture.
According to Yonhap news agency, Lee was suspected of consuming drugs such as marijuana and ketamine with a hostess in a Seoul bar. He maintained that he was unaware of the substances being illicit drugs. The hostess alleged repeated drug use at her home, which Lee denied. He had requested a lie detector test through his lawyer. Drug tests results returned either negative or inconclusive.
Following his death, the police expressed regret that Lee passed away amidst the ongoing investigation, which they stated was conducted with his consent. He had been questioned multiple times, with one session extending to 19 hours.
HODU&U Entertainment, Lee’s agency, released a statement expressing deep sorrow and appealed for restraint in speculation to ensure fairness in Lee’s final journey. The news of his death has elicited strong reactions online, with many expressing sympathy and commenting on the pressures faced by celebrities.
Lee, who was married to actress Jeon Hye-jin and had two sons, had a career spanning over two decades. He became a household name in South Korea through various leading roles in films and TV shows and gained international recognition with “Parasite”.
His previously untarnished image as a family man suffered significantly due to the drug use allegations, leading to his removal from the TV series “No Way Out”. Some businesses even removed advertisements featuring him.
In South Korea, drug offenses, including marijuana use, carry severe penalties. The government, led by President Yoon Suk Yeol, has been stringent in its crackdown on drug crimes, with national authorities declaring a “total war” on such offenses.
Lee’s death comes amidst other high-profile drug investigations in South Korea, including cases involving K-pop star G-Dragon and actor Yoo Ah-in.
