Oscar-Winning ‘Parasite’ Actor Lee Sun-kyun Passes Away
South Korean actor Lee Sun-kyun, known for his role in the Oscar-winning film “Parasite,” has tragically passed away in what appears to be a case of suicide, as reported by South Korean police to NBC News on Wednesday.
Lee had been the subject of an investigation concerning allegations of using marijuana and other illegal drugs. He had maintained his innocence throughout.
Police found Lee deceased in a car in a central Seoul park, with a charcoal briquette in the passenger seat, hinting at the cause of death.
The search for the actor began after his manager informed the police that Lee had left his home after penning what seemed to be a suicide note.
Born in Seoul in 1975, Lee portrayed the father in the wealthy family featured in the dark comedy “Parasite.” This film achieved critical acclaim, winning four Academy Awards in 2020, including Best Picture. It also secured a win for the best cast in a motion picture at the Screen Actors Guild Awards.
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Source nbcnews.com : Actor Lee Sun-kyun of Oscar-winning film ‘Parasite’ found dead amid drug probe
Lee was last questioned by police Saturday.
In the following year, Lee took on a leading role in “Dr. Brain,” a sci-fi thriller and the first Korean-language series produced for Apple TV+.
Lee’s varied career in South Korea featured many roles, including notable ones in 2012’s “Helpless” and “All About My Wife.”
South Korea’s strict drug law crackdown has involved many celebrities and high-profile individuals, including Lee. He was last interrogated by the police on Saturday.
In October, during his first nationwide broadcast after being questioned, Lee Sun-kyun expressed profound regret. He apologized sincerely, saying, “I am truly sorry for disappointing you by even being involved in such an unethical issue.”
He further extended his apologies to his family, acknowledging the pain and suffering they were enduring.
Lee’s death has prompted an outpouring of grief on social media in South Korea. Many mourners and critics of media coverage have lauded Lee as a “brilliant actor.” An Instagram comment echoed many sentiments: “Pushing Lee too hard, even if he erred, was wrong.”
