Parasite Actor Lee Sun-Kyun Reportedly Dead At 48
South Korean actor Lee Sun-kyun, who starred in the critically acclaimed film "Parasite," has died at the age of 48 from an apparent suicide, the Korea Times reports.
According to the outlet, the actor was found dead inside a parked vehicle in Seoul on December 27, 10:30 am local time. Per the authorities, Lee had written a note before leaving his home. "As he was pronounced dead, he wasn't taken to hospital," a fire official said, according to Yonhap News Agency. His death comes amid a series of investigations into allegations of illegal drug use, including marijuana. In recent months, there has been a large-scale government crackdown on drugs, which involved celebrities and heirs of tycoon families. In the months leading to his untimely demise, Lee had reportedly undergone police questioning on three separate occasions, but the actor had maintained his innocence, claiming to be a victim of blackmail. "I feel like it is a bit too late, but I've finished the questioning by the police about the blackmail case," he said on December 24 after a lengthy 19-hour questioning, per Yonhap. "I hope the police wisely determine which statements are more reliable between mine and the blackmailers.'"
Lee is best known for his work in the award-winning film "Parasite," in which he played Nathan, the head of the affluent Park family. He won a Screen Actors Guild Award along with the rest of the cast. He is survived by his wife, actor Jeon Hye-jin, and their two children.
Fans mourn the death of a veteran
While Lee Sun-kyun achieved global recognition for his work on "Parasite," he has been a prominent figure in the film industry since the early 2000s, establishing a successful career both locally in South Korea and across Asia. An alumna of Korea National University of Arts, he has built an impressive portfolio of television and film roles, including "White Tower," "Coffee Prince," "My Mister," and "Pasta." He also dominated the big screen with notable performances on "Helpless" and "All About My Wife." In 2023, two films in which he appeared, "Sleep" and "Project Science," were showcased at the Cannes Film Festival.
Fans took to social media to mourn his passing, with many scrutinizing the media's treatment of him in light of his connection to the drug investigation. "This is what happens when the media puts you on trial to sell stories and clicks and the public becomes your judge! When will society learn? RIP" one tweeted, while another said, "This is just horrible. I wish his wife and two sons lots of strength. It hurts my heart seeing him under so much pressure the last months. RIP. Society can do so much better!"
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