In a tragic turn of events, Lee Sun-kyun, the renowned actor of the Oscar-winning film "Parasite," was discovered dead in an apparent suicide on Wednesday amid an ongoing investigation into suspected drug use.
The discovery was made when police found an unconscious man in his 40s inside a car near Waryong Park in central Seoul at 10:30 a.m.
(3rd LD) 'Parasite' actor Lee Sun-kyun found dead in apparent suicide amid drug probe https://t.co/KlYtws2rub
— Yonhap News Agency (@YonhapNews) December 27, 2023
The individual was later identified as Lee Sun-kyun. A charcoal briquette, a potential source of fatal carbon monoxide poisoning, was found on the front passenger seat of the vehicle.
Prior to the discovery, Lee's manager had alerted the police, stating that the actor had left home after leaving behind a note resembling a suicide message.
The manager, unable to reach Lee, visited his residence in Cheongdam-dong in southern Seoul.
Lee Sun-kyun had been subjected to three rounds of police questioning regarding suspicions of using marijuana and other illegal substances.
The investigations focused on visits to the home of a hostess employed at an upscale bar in Seoul's Gangnam district, including a session lasting 19 hours on the previous Saturday.
The actor had been booked as a suspect in late October as part of a drug-related inquiry prompted by information about illicit drug circulation in Gangnam bars.
Lee maintained that he was deceived by the hostess into consuming the substances and claimed ignorance of their nature.
Although Lee tested negative in both the preliminary reagent test conducted during police interrogations and the lab-based drug test administered by the National Forensic Service last month, the legal proceedings continued.
In his initial appearance for questioning on October 28, Lee apologized for causing disappointment and expressed remorse for the pain endured by his family. He also filed a complaint against two individuals, including the hostess, alleging blackmail and swindling.
Despite his efforts to assert innocence, Lee's untimely death marks a profound loss to the entertainment industry. The 48-year-old actor gained global acclaim for his role in "Parasite," which won multiple Academy Awards in 2020.
His recent works, including horror film "Sleep" and disaster thriller "Project Silence," were invited to the Cannes Film Festival, showcasing his continued prominence in the film industry. The tragic incident has left fans and the industry in mourning, reflecting on the complexities of personal struggles even amid professional success.
