Lee Sun-kyun, the renowned South Korean actor celebrated for his captivating portrayal as the affluent patriarch in the Academy Award-winning film “Parasite,” was discovered deceased on Wednesday in a suspected suicide within a Seoul park, as confirmed by city officials.
At 48, Lee, known for his poignant role in “Parasite,” South Korea’s groundbreaking cinematic masterpiece, was embroiled in a drug investigation, having endured extensive police interrogations regarding alleged illicit substance consumption. Reports from Yonhap news agency indicated that the actor contended he was ensnared into drug consumption by a bar hostess exploiting him.
The discovery of Lee’s body ensued following a missing person report, with authorities locating him in a vehicle within a Seoul park subsequent to his manager alerting authorities of his abrupt departure from home, accompanied by a poignant suicide note.
While HODU&U Entertainment, Lee’s agency, remained elusive to media inquiries, local outlets referenced a statement from the agency conveying profound grief while cautioning against unfounded speculations or misleading narratives.
In South Korea, stringent drug regulations impose severe penalties, ranging from imprisonment to extensive incarceration periods for repeat offenders and suppliers.
Bong Joon-ho’s masterful creation, “Parasite,” garnered global acclaim, securing the 2020 Academy Award in prominent categories, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Original Screenplay, marking a historic triumph as the inaugural non-English language film to clinch the coveted Best Picture accolade. Bong championed its universal appeal, emphasizing the diminishing barriers of linguistic diversity in cinematic success.
Lee’s illustrious career spanned diverse cinematic genres, with notable contributions in films like “Helpless” (2012) and “All About My Wife” (2014), alongside his lauded portrayal in the 2018 television series “My Mister.” Furthermore, his role in Apple TV+’s inaugural Korean-language series, the six-episode sci-fi thriller “Dr. Brain,” showcased his versatility in portraying a neurologist unraveling enigmatic family mysteries through cerebral experiments.
Lee Sun-kyun leaves behind his wife, acclaimed actress Jeon Hye-jin, and their two children, marking an irreplaceable loss in the South Korean entertainment industry.
