Lee, who was under investigation for drug charges, has been found dead in a car in an apparent suicide, according to South Korean police.
Main Points:
* Lee Sun-kyun, a well-known South Korean actor celebrated for his role in the award-winning film “Parasite,” was found dead in a Seoul park, in what officials believe to be a suicide.
* At 48, the actor faced police questioning three times for alleged drug use during a government crackdown, with one session lasting a lengthy 19 hours over the weekend.
* According to the Yonhap news agency, Lee Sun-kyun claimed he was deceived into taking drugs by a bar hostess attempting to blackmail him.
Lee Sun-kyun, a South Korean actor known for his role in the Oscar-winning film “Parasite,” was reportedly discovered deceased in a Seoul park on Wednesday in an apparent suicide, according to city officials.
Lee Sun-kyun, a 48-year-old actor known for his role in the Oscar-winning film “Parasite,” has passed away. He faced police questioning three times over allegations of illegal drug use as part of a government crackdown, with one session lasting 19 hours over the weekend.
According to the Yonhap news agency, the actor, Lee Sun-kyun, stated that he was deceived into taking drugs by a bar hostess who was attempting to blackmail him.
Lee Sun-kyun was located by authorities following a report of him being missing. An anonymous fire official shared this information with Reuters, emphasizing the sensitivity of the matter.
Lee Sun-kyun was located in a car at a Seoul park after his manager reported to the police that the actor had left home, leaving behind a note hinting at suicide. The information was provided by an anonymous police official.
The agency representing Lee Sun-kyun, known as HODU&U Entertainment, did not respond to phone calls.
However, as per reports from local media, Lee Sun-kyun’s agency, HODU&U Entertainment, issued a statement expressing sorrow over the actor’s passing. The agency also urged caution against spreading untrue information, speculation, or malicious reports.
Violating South Korea’s strict drug laws could result in a six-month jail term. Repeat offenses or involvement in drug dealing may lead to a more severe penalty of up to 14 years in prison.
In 2020, the dark-comedy thriller “Parasite,” directed by Bong Joon-ho, scored major victories at the Academy Awards. It clinched Oscars in four categories: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, and Best International Feature Film. Notably, the film secured these wins from a total of six Oscar nominations.
“Parasite” created history by becoming the first non-English language film to win the Best Picture award. Director Bong Joon-ho celebrated this milestone, interpreting it as a breakthrough indicating that language, especially subtitles, was no longer a barrier to global success.
In the film, Lee took on the role of Mr. Park. The story revolves around his wealthy home being invaded by a lower-class family pretending to be expert domestic workers, resulting in a complicated situation that ends in violence.
Born in 1975, Lee Sun-kyun played significant roles in South Korean films, including the 2012 thriller “Helpless” and the 2014 movie “All About My Wife.” He also gained acclaim for his lead role in the popular 2018 TV series “My Mister.”
Furthermore, he took on the main role in Apple TV+’s first Korean-language original series, which was introduced in 2021.
In the six-episode sci-fi thriller “Dr. Brain,” Lee Sun-kyun played the role of a neurologist investigating a mysterious family accident through brain experiments.
Lee Sun-kyun is married to the award-winning actress Jeon Hye-jin, and together, they have two children.
His Personal Life
Marriage:
Lee Sun-kyun tied the knot with his girlfriend of seven years, actress Jeon Hye-jin, on May 23, 2009. Their joy expanded with the arrival of their first son on November 25, 2009, and their second son on August 9, 2011.
Drug Abuse Allegations:
In October 2023, it surfaced that Lee was under investigation for suspected drug use. Consequently, he voluntarily stepped away from the upcoming thriller drama “No Way Out,” which was in production at the time of the revelation. On October 24, the Incheon Metropolitan Police Agency charged him with suspicion of using cannabis and psychoactive drugs. Lee faced questioning on the 28th and received a travel ban, preventing him from leaving the country during investigations. Initial hair sample tests as of November 2023 showed Lee tested negative for drugs. Further investigations are anticipated, and Lee has requested an additional lie detector test through his lawyer, claiming unfair accusations without concrete evidence.