Actor Lee of Oscar-winning 'Parasite' Found Dead in Apparent Suicide amid Drug Probe
Lee Sun-kyun, the South Korean actor known for his role in the Oscar-winning film 'Parasite', was found dead in a Seoul park in an apparent suicide. Lee, who faced police questioning over allegations of illegal drug use, had left behind an apparent suicide note. 'Parasite' was the first non-English language film to win the best picture award at the Oscars.
Lee Sun-kyun's Tragic Death
Lee Sun-kyun, the South Korean actor known for his performance in the critically acclaimed film 'Parasite', was found dead in a Seoul park in an apparent suicide. Officials in the capital city confirmed the actor's death.
Lee, 48, gained global attention with his role as the wealthy patriarch in the film 'Parasite', which became the first non-English language movie to win the best picture award at the Oscars. The actor was found in a car at a park in Seoul after his manager informed the police that he had left home. An apparent suicide note was discovered at the scene.
Lee had faced police questioning three times in relation to allegations of illegal drug use. He claimed to have been tricked into taking drugs by a bar hostess trying to blackmail him. The investigations were part of a government crackdown on drug use in the entertainment industry.
The Legacy of 'Parasite'
Directed by Bong Joon-ho, 'Parasite' is a dark-comedy thriller that won four Academy Awards, including best picture, best director, best original screenplay, and best international feature film. The film tells the story of a lower-class family infiltrating the home of a wealthy family.
Lee Sun-kyun played the character of Mr. Park, the wealthy patriarch in 'Parasite'. The film's success and critical acclaim shattered the notion that language barriers were an obstacle to global success, as it became the first non-English language film to win the best picture award at the Oscars.
Apart from 'Parasite', Lee had notable roles in other South Korean films and TV series. He also starred in Apple TV+'s Korean-language original series, 'Dr. Brain', a sci-fi thriller.
Personal Life and Condolences
Lee Sun-kyun was born in 1975 and was married to award-winning actress Jeon Hye-jin. The couple had two children. Lee's agency, HODU&U Entertainment, did not provide any immediate response to the news of his death.
Domestic media reported that the agency expressed sadness at Lee's passing and urged the public to refrain from spreading false information, speculation, or malicious reports. The news of Lee's death has shocked and saddened fans around the world.
