In a tragic turn of events, the renowned South Korean actor Lee Sun-kyun has passed away at the age of 48. Lee, widely recognized for his role in the globally acclaimed movie “Parasite,” had been under investigation for alleged illegal drug use.
Lee Sun-kyun’s Legacy and Career
Lee Sun-kyun rose to international fame with Bong Joon Ho‘s Oscar-winning film “Parasite” in 2019, captivating audiences worldwide with his performance. His talent extended to the Apple TV+ series “Dr. Brain,” where he also showcased his acting prowess.
Discovery of Lee Sun-kyun’s Demise
According to South Korea’s news agency Yonhap, Lee Sun-kyun was discovered dead in his car in a park in Seoul on Wednesday morning. Reports suggest that Lee’s spouse informed the police about the discovery, mentioning the presence of a suicide note.
Investigations and Allegations
Local media had previously reported an ongoing investigation into Lee’s alleged involvement in illegal drug usage. Recent weeks had seen increased scrutiny from the South Korean government on drug use, implicating various public figures, including actors, musicians, prominent personalities, and heirs of affluent families.
Police Interrogations and Speculations
Last week, local news agencies revealed that the actor had undergone three rounds of questioning by the police, lasting 19 hours in total, regarding allegations of marijuana and psychoactive drug usage. Speculations emerged regarding Lee’s frequent visits to Seoul’s Gangnam district and purported drug consumption in the area. Some theories even suggested that he might have been deceived by a bartender into drug use and subsequently blackmailed.
Legal Ramifications in South Korea
South Korea enforces stringent drug laws, with penalties ranging from at least six months’ imprisonment to up to 14 years for repeat offenders and sellers.
Lee Sun-kyun’s Contributions and Achievements
Lee’s resonating voice earned him the moniker “The Voice” among his fans in Korea, while Western audiences celebrated his portrayal in the dark comedy-thriller “Parasite.” His role as Park Dong-ik in the movie earned him recognition, including the Screen Actors Guild Award.
Remembering Lee Sun-kyun
Born in Seoul in 1975, Lee ventured into drama through Korea National University of Arts. He made his television debut in 2007 with “White Tower” and gained attention the same year for his role in the youth drama “Coffee Prince.” Beyond TV productions, he starred in the 2012 psychological thriller “Hoa-cha” by Byun Young-joo.
Lasting Contributions to Film and Television
Lee Sun-kyun left a significant mark through independent films and theatrical performances, culminating in his recent lead role in Apple TV+’s first Korean-language series, “Dr. Brain.”
The sudden demise of Lee Sun-kyun has sparked conversations worldwide. Share your thoughts and tributes to this talented actor.
Last modified: January 22, 2024
