Popular Oscar-winning actor suspicious death: In the midst of a police investigation into possible drug use, the well-known actor Lee Sun Kyun, famous for his role in the Oscar-winning film “Parasite,” has sadly passed away in Seoul at the age of 48.
The news of his death was confirmed by the Associated Press and local Korean media outlets, citing information from the police. According to Yonhap News, a Korean-language outlet citing local law enforcement, Lee’s spouse reported that he left a note similar to a suicide note. Police found Lee unconscious inside his car at a park in Seoul around 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, local time, as per Yonhap News.
Popular Oscar-winning actor suspicious death
Lee had a successful career in South Korea since 1999. He became well-known in 2007 for his roles in the medical drama “Behind the White Tower” and the romantic comedy “Coffee Prince.” In 2018, he starred as the main male character in the drama My Mister.
But it was his role as Dong-ik in the 2019 film Parasite, directed by Bong Joon Ho, that brought Lee international fame. Alongside Cho Yeo Jeong, who played his on-screen wife, Yeon-kyo, their performances were praised by critics, including Justin Chang of The Times.
Chang noted in 2020, “Nearly every great performance is a well-executed con, an elaborate scheme skillfully foisted on the audience. That’s surely one reason why the ‘Parasite’ actors have connected so forcefully with critics and audiences around the world, even those who may emerge from the theater remembering individual faces better than names.”
Lee had been under investigation by local police for the past few months. In an October statement, his agency mentioned that Lee had faced threats and extortion related to alleged drug abuse. Lee, however, claimed he was tricked into taking the drugs and tested negative in drug tests administered by authorities, according to Yonhap News.
Read more: Who Exactly Is Vivek Bindra?
During a rigorous 19-hour police questioning session on an early Sunday morning, Lee faced interrogation, as reported by Yonhap News.
At the same time as Lee’s drug probe, authorities were looking into K-pop star G-Dragon, Kwon Ji-yong of the band BigBang, for alleged use of illicit drugs at a bar in Seoul in December 2022. The case concluded earlier this month after Kwon tested negative in drug tests, and police were unable to find enough evidence of drug use.
In a Monday announcement, Kwon pledged to donate 300 million won, approximately 0,000, to establish a foundation combating drug abuse.
Intense questioning over alleged drug abuse is not uncommon in South Korea, a country with strict drug laws and growing public concern over drug abuse.
Earlier this year, Yoo Ah-In, known for roles in Hellbound and Burning, faced accusations of illegally using drugs, including marijuana, propofol, and cocaine. He underwent 21 hours of police questioning in May. Despite admitting to most of the charges, a Seoul court rejected the police’s request for an arrest warrant. The highly publicized case resulted in public condemnation, with one person throwing a plastic water bottle at him after his May court appearance.
