South Korean actor Lee Sun-kyun, renowned for his role in the Oscar-winning film “Parasite,” has been found dead in an apparent suicide, according to reports from Yonhap news agency.
The 48-year-old actor was discovered inside a vehicle at a park in central Seoul, with police suggesting suicide as the cause.
Lee Sun-kyun had been under police investigation for his alleged use of marijuana and other psychoactive drugs, leading to repercussions in his career.
Once celebrated for his wholesome image, local news outlets reported that the actor was being dropped from television and commercial projects in the wake of the scandal.
A graduate of South Korea’s prestigious Korea National University of Arts, Lee made his acting debut in 2001 in a television sitcom titled “Lovers.”
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He gained acclaim for his versatile performances, portraying roles such as a charismatic chef and a diligent architectural engineer dealing with marital infidelity.
Internationally, he is best known for his role as the wealthy and shallow patriarch in director Bong Joon-ho’s 2019 Oscar-winning film “Parasite.”
Lee Sun-kyun’s last film, the 2023 horror flick “Sleep,” received critical acclaim and was featured in the Critics’ Week section at the Cannes festival.
The actor had been under public scrutiny after the drug-related allegations, and in late October, he apologized to the public and his family for the disappointment caused by his involvement in the incident.
South Korea has stringent laws regarding illegal drugs, and even citizens who use drugs legally abroad can face prosecution upon returning to the country.
President Yoon Suk Yeol had called for more stringent measures to eliminate drug trafficking, emphasizing the nation’s commitment to being “drug-free.”
Lee Sun-kyun is survived by his wife, actress Jeon Hye-jin, and two sons.
His death is a tragic loss for the South Korean entertainment industry, and condolences are extended to his family, friends, and fans.
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