Lee Sun-kyun, a beloved South Korean actor renowned for his role in the Oscar-winning film “Parasite,” was discovered deceased in a car in Seoul on Wednesday, following an extensive police inquiry into allegations of his involvement in drug use. The car was located in a park, as reported by Reuters.
Authorities initially found Lee in what seemed to be an unconscious state within the vehicle. Subsequent assessments by emergency personnel tragically confirmed his passing, according to Seoul’s Seongbuk police station. The search for Lee had been initiated after receiving a report of his disappearance, prompting a concerned effort by the police.
The passing of Lee Sun-kyun is a poignant moment for both his fans and the entertainment industry. His sudden departure takes place against the backdrop of ongoing inquiries into his personal circumstances, which exacerbates an already challenging situation. The news is heartbreaking to those who appreciated his talent, and the entertainment industry is struggling to come to terms with the passing of an actor who had a lasting influence on the film industry.
Lee Sun-kyun, born on March 2, 1975, in Seoul, South Korea, tragically passed away on December 27, 2023, at the age of 48. The cause of his untimely death has been reported as suicide by carbon monoxide poisoning.
He studied acting at the Korea National University of Arts, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. Lee began his acting career in 2001 and remained active in the business until 2023, contributing significantly.
Throughout his career, Lee was associated with Hodu&U Entertainment. He married Jeon Hye-jin in 2009, and the two of them had two kids.
Lee Sun-kyun’s illustrious career was marked by standout performances in acclaimed films. He garnered recognition for his roles in the thriller “Helpless” (2012), the romantic comedy “All About My Wife” (2012), and the crime/black comedy “A Hard Day” (2014). These films showcased his versatile acting skills and solidified his status as a prominent figure in South Korean cinema.
On the international stage, Lee achieved widespread acclaim for his role in Bong Joon-ho’s Academy Award-winning black comedy “Parasite.” His stellar performance in the film earned him a Screen Actors Guild Award, standing alongside his fellow castmates. This international recognition added to his list of accolades, which included several other awards and a notable nomination for an International Emmy Award.
Lee Sun-kyun’s ability to captivate audiences across genres and languages underscored his talent and made him a celebrated figure in the global film industry.
Authorities have refrained from disclosing additional details, including any determination on whether Lee Sun-kyun’s death was a result of suicide. However, South Korean media outlets, including Yonhap news agency, have reported that Lee’s family informed the police earlier on Wednesday, stating that he had left home after composing a message resembling a suicide note.
HODU&U Entertainment, the talent agency representing Lee, has yet to respond to Reuters’ calls. Nevertheless, domestic media sources have referred to a statement, purportedly from HODU&U, expressing sorrow over Lee’s passing and appealing for caution regarding the spread of false information, speculation, or malicious reports. The circumstances surrounding Lee Sun-kyun’s death continue to unfold, prompting a collective sense of sadness and concern.
Following the discovery, Lee Sun-kyun’s body was transported to a nearby Seoul hospital, as confirmed by Seongbuk police.
The beloved actor had been the subject of police investigations related to allegations of using illegal drugs at the residence of a bar hostess, garnering considerable attention from tabloids. Throughout the process, Lee consistently maintained that he had been deceived into taking the drugs, emphasizing his lack of knowledge about the substances, as reported by Yonhap.
According to Reuters, Lee underwent questioning by the police three times concerning the drug accusations, with one session lasting a staggering 19 hours over the weekend. The intensity of the investigations adds another layer to the already complex circumstances surrounding Lee Sun-kyun’s untimely demise.
The scandal surrounding Lee Sun-kyun’s alleged involvement in drug use has resulted in the actor losing several acting projects, as reported by Agence France-Presse. Reuters notes that a first-time conviction on drug use charges in South Korea can result in a sentence of six months in jail, with repeat offenders facing up to 14 years. South Korea’s legal framework is notably strict, to the extent that individuals who legally consume drugs abroad may still face prosecution upon returning home, emphasizing the stringent nature of the country’s drug laws, as highlighted by AFP. The repercussions of the legal challenges further underscore the gravity of the situation surrounding the late actor.
Lee Sun-kyun gained widespread recognition for his role in the critically acclaimed film “Parasite,” which not only won the coveted Oscar for Best Picture in 2020 but also made history as the first non-English-language film to achieve this feat in the Academy Awards’ then-92-year history. Additionally, it marked the first South Korean movie ever to clinch an Oscar. In “Parasite,” Lee portrayed the head of a wealthy family, contributing to the film’s stellar success.
Lee Sun-kyun’s lasting influence on the film industry was demonstrated in 2021 when he won a Screen Actors Guild award for his exceptional performance in a motion picture. His versatility was further demonstrated when he received an International Emmy Award nomination for best actor, where he was honored for his performance in the science fiction thriller “Dr. Brain.”
Prior to the revolutionary triumph of “Parasite,” Lee had already cemented his status as a cherished personality in South Korean entertainment. His rise to fame started with an outstanding performance in the well-liked TV drama series “Coffee Prince (2007).” From then on, he kept enthralling audiences with remarkable performances in popular films like “My Mister (2018),” “Pasta (2010),” and the medical drama “Behind The White Tower (2007).” The renowned actor Lee Sun-kyun’s impact on the varied landscape of Korean entertainment is enduring and cuts across genres.