“Actor Lee Sun-kyun Found Dead in Apparent Suicide Amid Drug Use Investigation”

By Lee Gyu-lee

Actor Lee Sun-kyun, who gained international recognition for his role in the Cannes award-winning film “Parasite,” has tragically been found dead in an apparent suicide. Lee was 48 years old.

According to the police, Lee’s manager reported to authorities on Wednesday at around 10:12 a.m. that the actor had left his home after leaving a suicide note the previous day and had not returned.

After an extensive search, Lee was discovered in his car near a park in Jongno District, central Seoul, at approximately 10:30 a.m. Signs indicated that he had attempted suicide.

A fire department official stated, “He was confirmed dead at the scene and was not transferred to a hospital for treatment.” Lee’s body was then taken to Seoul National University Hospital.

HODU&U Entertainment, Lee’s agency, confirmed his death and expressed deep sorrow, saying, “There are no words to express this profound feeling of grief.”

The agency also requested that false information not be spread and announced that Lee’s funeral will be held privately with his family and close friends.

In a press release, the agency said, “We earnestly ask everyone to avoid spreading baseless speculations, assumptions, and malicious reports. We want to ensure that the deceased’s last moments are not unfairly tarnished.”

“His funeral will be held quietly with the presence of family and colleagues. We extend our deepest condolences as the deceased embarks on his final journey,” the agency added.

Lee had been under investigation for alleged illegal drug use, which first surfaced in October.

Police officers gather at the scene of actor Lee Sun-kyun’s car found near a park in Jongno District, central Seoul, Wednesday. Yonhap

On October 19, the police announced that eight individuals, including Lee, were suspected of engaging in illegal drug use at a bar and a home in Seoul over the course of a year.

Lee was summoned for questioning approximately a week later and denied the allegations of using marijuana and other illegal drugs with a hostess at a high-end bar in Gangnam District, southern Seoul, as well as at her home.

As he headed to the police station for questioning, Lee apologized, stating, “I sincerely apologize for causing disappointment to many people by getting involved in such an unfortunate incident. I will cooperate with the investigation truthfully and sincerely.”

During the initial police questioning, Lee tested negative for drugs, and a subsequent drug test conducted by the National Forensic Service also yielded negative results.

The hostess had testified that she provided Lee with ketamine after he expressed curiosity about the drug and witnessed him snorting it with a straw.

However, Lee claimed that he was unaware that the substance was a drug and that the hostess had deceived him into taking it.

In response to alleged blackmail related to his supposed drug use, Lee filed a complaint with the police against the hostess and another individual, accusing them of demanding 350 billion won ($270,000).

After enduring a grueling 19-hour third round of questioning on Sunday, Lee requested a polygraph test to prove his innocence.

Lee Sun-kyun made his debut in the musical “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” in 2001 and has since portrayed lead roles in various successful series, including the medical drama “Behind the White Tower” (2007) and the romantic comedy “Pasta” (2010).

However, it was his role in director Bong Joon-ho’s critically acclaimed film “Parasite” that catapulted him to global fame. The film won the Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture award at the 26th Screen Actors Guild Awards.