Renowned South Korean actor Lee Sun-kyun, celebrated for his standout performance in the Oscar-winning film Parasite, has been discovered dead in an apparent suicide in central Seoul.
Authorities found the 48-year-old actor’s lifeless body in a car near a city park on Wednesday, strongly suspecting he took his own life, as reported by Yonhap news agency.
Prior to his death, Lee had been under investigation since October for alleged involvement in illegal drug use. The police received a report stating that he had left his home after leaving a note. The actor’s body was transported to Seoul National University Hospital, and although an autopsy was suggested, his family declined. Lee is expected to be laid to rest on Friday.
An investigation has been initiated to unravel the circumstances surrounding his death, encompassing the timeline of his arrival at the scene and the exact time of his demise.
Lee Sun-kyun’s portrayal of the patriarch in Parasite contributed significantly to the film’s success, which secured four Oscars, including the coveted Best Picture award.
According to Yonhap, Lee Sun-kyun was under suspicion of consuming drugs, including marijuana and ketamine, with a hostess at a bar in Seoul. Despite admitting to taking substances provided by the hostess, he claimed ignorance about their illicit nature. The hostess allegedly informed the police that he had used drugs at her residence on multiple occasions, an assertion he denied. Lee had sought a lie detector test through his lawyer.
Contrary to the accusations, the results of his drug tests came back negative or inconclusive, as per the report. The police expressed regret over Lee’s death amid the ongoing investigation, emphasizing that the inquiry had been conducted with his consent, as reported by News1 Korea. Lee underwent three rounds of questioning, including a 19-hour session last Saturday, according to Yonhap.
Lee’s agency, HODU&U Entertainment, said in a statement: “There is no way to contain the sorrow and despair. We respectfully ask that you refrain from spreading false facts based on speculation… so that [Lee’s] final journey will not be unfair.”
News of his death sparked strong reactions online.
“I can’t imagine how difficult it must have been for him. Rest in peace,” read a comment on one of the news reports.
“Aren’t celebrities human? People can make mistakes in their lives. It’s so sad,” said another.
There was also praise for his work.
One fan, writing on X (formerly Twitter), wrote: “I laughed and cried a lot while watching your acting. Thank you.”
According to Yonhap, Lee Sun-kyun was under suspicion of consuming drugs, including marijuana and ketamine, with a hostess at a bar in Seoul.
Despite admitting to taking substances provided by the hostess, he claimed ignorance about their illicit nature.
The hostess allegedly informed the police that he had used drugs at her residence on multiple occasions, an assertion he denied.
Lee had sought a lie detector test through his lawyer.
Contrary to the accusations, the results of his drug tests came back negative or inconclusive, as per the report.
The police expressed regret over Lee’s death amid the ongoing investigation, emphasizing that the inquiry had been conducted with his consent, as reported by News1 Korea.
Lee underwent three rounds of questioning, including a 19-hour session last Saturday, according to Yonhap.
