South Korean actor Lee Sun-kyun, internationally celebrated for his role in the Oscar-winning film “Parasite,” has tragically passed away amid an ongoing investigation into alleged illegal drug use, as confirmed by the police on Wednesday.
Aged 48, Lee Sun-kyun was found in his car on Wednesday morning following a missing person report filed by his manager.
The police statement indicates that the cause of Lee’s death is “presumed to be suicide.” Forensic teams, as seen in photos from the scene, are actively investigating the circumstances, with the car cordoned off by police tape.
Authorities in the city of Incheon disclosed that Lee had been questioned three times since October as part of a broader drug-use investigation.
The actor was last summoned by the police on December 23, spending 19 hours in custody before being released the following day.
Despite consistently negative drug test results during the investigation, Lee maintained that he was deceived into drug use and subsequently blackmailed by the same individual. He took legal action against the alleged blackmailer. The police mentioned receiving a tip about Lee’s alleged drug use before the filing of the lawsuit.
Two individuals, one man and one woman, have been arrested in connection with the drug investigation. On December 26, Lee had requested a polygraph examination for himself and two other individuals apprehended by the police.
Expressing condolences to Lee’s grieving family, the police underscored their commitment to preventing media leaks about the investigation, adhering to South Korean law.
A private funeral for Lee will be conducted with family members and colleagues in attendance, according to his agency, Hodu & U Entertainment. The agency urged against the spread of false information and conveyed deep sorrow over the loss of the talented actor.
Lee Sun-Kyun garnered widespread acclaim for his role in “Parasite” and received accolades for his contributions to television series such as “Behind the White Tower” (2007), “Pasta” (2010), and the sci-fi thriller series “Dr. Brain,” earning him a nomination for an International Emmy Award.
