South Korean actor Lee Sun-kyun, famous for his role in the Oscar-winning film "Parasite," has been found dead in Seoul. The 48-year-old actor's body was discovered in a car parked in a central Seoul park on Wednesday. The police had been conducting an intense investigation into Lee's alleged drug use, and his death is being investigated as a possible suicide.
Authorities had received reports that Lee was missing, prompting a search for him. Initially, he was found in what appeared to be an unconscious state in the car. However, emergency officers later confirmed that he had passed away. While the cause of death has not been officially confirmed, South Korean media outlets, including Yonhap News Agency, reported that Lee's family had informed the police about a message resembling a suicide note that he had left before leaving home.
Prior to his death, Lee had been involved in a police probe related to his alleged use of illegal drugs at the residence of a bar hostess. He had filed a lawsuit against two individuals, including the hostess, accusing them of blackmail. Lee claimed that he was tricked into consuming drugs, including marijuana, by the hostess and that he was unaware of what he was taking. To prove his innocence, he had undergone two drug tests during the investigation, both of which he had passed. He also voluntarily took a polygraph test.
During the investigation, Lee had been questioned multiple times by the authorities, including a 19-hour interrogation over the weekend. However, the Incheon police announced on Wednesday that they would be closing their investigation into Lee's drug use allegations, while continuing to investigate the two individuals he had sued.
Lee rose to international fame for his role in the critically acclaimed film "Parasite," which won the Best Picture Oscar at the 92nd Academy Awards in 2020. The movie, directed by Bong Joon-ho, made history as the first non-English language film to win the prestigious award. Lee portrayed the head of a wealthy family in the film.
Before his breakthrough in "Parasite," Lee had already established himself as a popular actor in South Korea. He gained recognition for his roles in TV dramas such as "Coffee Prince," "Behind the White Tower," "Pasta," and "My Mister." In 2021, he won a Screen Actors Guild Award for his performance in "Parasite."
Lee is survived by his wife, actress Jeon Hye-jin, and their two sons. The news of his sudden and tragic death has shocked fans and the entertainment industry alike. The investigation into his death is ongoing, and further updates are expected to emerge.
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, please reach out to a helpline or seek professional help. In the United States, you can call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Additional resources can be found at SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources. For international resources, please refer to local helplines and support networks.
