The South Korean entertainment industry is mourning the loss of acclaimed actor Lee Sun-kyun, best known for his role in the Oscar-winning film “Parasite.” The 48-year-old actor was discovered dead in a car in Seoul’s main park, a shocking incident confirmed by authorities on Wednesday.
While the details surrounding Lee’s death remain unclear, there are reports that he left home after leaving a note. Since October, Lee had been under investigation for alleged drug use, stemming from an incident at a Seoul bar where he claimed to have unknowingly taken illicit drugs provided by an employee.
Despite negative or inconclusive results from his drug tests, the investigation persisted, causing significant damage to Lee’s reputation. His agency, HODU&U Entertainment, expressed deep sorrow and called for caution against spreading false information. They emphasized the importance of remembering Lee’s legacy with fairness.
Lee Sun-kyun, married to actress Jeon Hye-jin and a father of two sons, enjoyed a prolific career spanning over two decades. His breakthrough role in “Parasite” earned international acclaim and played a pivotal role in the film’s historic four Oscars in 2020.
The drug investigation had professional repercussions for Lee, leading to his removal from the TV series “No Way Out.” In South Korea, drug offenses, particularly involving marijuana, are treated as serious crimes, with potential prison sentences of up to five years.
President Yoon Suk Yeol’s commitment to a stringent drug crackdown has led to an expansion of the country’s drug crimes department. This contrasts with the recent case of K-pop star G-Dragon being cleared of drug allegations, while actor Yoo Ah-in is currently standing trial for drug use.
As South Korea grapples with an intensified focus on drug-related issues, Lee Sun-kyun’s untimely death adds a somber chapter to the nation’s entertainment landscape.
