Parasite Star Lee Sun-kyun, 48, Found Dead Amidst Drug Probe

South Korean Actor Lee Sun-kyun, Renowned for His role in Parasite, Found Dead

Lee Sun-kyun, the South Korean actor known for his role in the Oscar-winning film Parasite, was found dead on 27 December.

Authorities initiated a search following reports of the actor going missing, according to a fire official in the capital.

He was eventually found in a car parked at a Seoul park, with preliminary reports suggesting he left behind a suicide note. The specifics surrounding his death are being kept under wraps due to the sensitive nature of the situation.

Police and Lee’s agency have been tight-lipped in the wake of the discovery.

Accusations of Illegal Drug Use

Lee, 48, had been under investigation due to accusations of illegal drug use.

The investigation was part of a broader government crackdown in South Korea, during which he was questioned by police multiple times. The intense scrutiny included an exhaustive 19-hour session over the weekend.

Lee had maintained his innocence, claiming he was deceived into taking drugs, aiming to be blackmailed, as reported by Yonhap news agency.

Additionally, authorities imposed a travel restriction on Lee, barring him from exiting the country while the investigations proceeded. The preliminary analysis of hair samples taken from Lee indicated a negative result for drug use. As of November 2023, more comprehensive inquiries were anticipated to follow these initial findings.

About Lee Sun-kyun

Lee’s legacy is punctuated by his role in Parasite, a film that achieved international acclaim, securing four Academy Awards.

His portrayal of Mr Park, the patriarch of a wealthy family whose life spirals into chaos, left an indelible mark on cinema.

Beyond Parasite, Lee’s career was marked by significant roles in films and television, including leading roles in Helpless and All About My Wife, and as the lead in Apple TV+’s first Korean-language original series Dr. Brain.

He is survived by his wife, actress Jeon Hye-jin, and his two sons, who were born in 2009 and 2011.