Lee Sun-kyun, the acclaimed actor who played the wealthy father in the Oscar-winning film ‘Parasite’, was found dead in his home on Wednesday, in what appears to be a suicide. He was 48 years old.
Lee’s death came as a shock to the entertainment industry and his fans, as he was one of the most respected and popular actors in South Korea. He had starred in numerous films and TV shows, including ‘All About My Wife’, ‘King Maker’, ‘Sleep’, and ‘Dr. Brain’. He had also won a Screen Actors Guild award for his role in ‘Parasite’, the first foreign-language film to win the Best Picture Oscar.
However, Lee’s reputation and career were tarnished by a recent drug scandal that erupted last week, when he was reported to be under investigation by the police over his alleged drug use. According to the reports, Lee was among eight suspects, including the offspring of a major conglomerate head, who were accused of taking illegal drugs multiple times this year in local bars and their homes. The police had not officially named Lee as a suspect, but they had allegedly discovered a lead in connection with his illegal activities. The reports did not specify what type of drugs were involved.
Lee’s agency, HODU&U, had issued a statement last week, apologizing for the concerns caused by the reports and promising to cooperate with the police investigation. The agency also revealed that Lee had filed a blackmail complaint against another person involved in the same group, who had extorted hundreds of thousands of dollars from him. The agency said that Lee was deeply distressed by the situation and that it would take a long time to sort it out.
Lee’s death has sparked an outpouring of grief and condolences from his colleagues and fans, who expressed their disbelief and sadness over the tragic news. Many praised Lee for his talent and versatility as an actor, and his kindness and professionalism as a person. Some also criticized the media and the public for their harsh judgment and pressure on Lee, and urged for more compassion and understanding for celebrities who struggle with personal issues.
Lee is survived by his wife, actress Jeon Hye-jin, and their two children. His funeral will be held privately at the request of his family.
