South Korean actor Lee Sun-kyun, famous for his role in the Oscar-winning film “Parasite,” was found dead in what appeared to be a suicide. The event follows his recent departure from the forthcoming film “No Way Out” because of an ongoing drug investigation.
As reported by multiple sources, Lee was discovered unresponsive in his car on Tuesday, December 26, 2023, in a car park situated in Seoul, South Korea.
Lee, 48, achieved international recognition with his portrayal of the father in “Parasite.” He was recently embroiled in drug use allegations, leading to his exit from the dark comedy, “No Way Out.”
His exit occurred while he was under investigation for suspected drug use. Studio X+U, the production house behind the film, announced that Lee voluntarily left the project to address these issues, and they will continue shooting the film as initially planned.
The Incheon Metropolitan Police Agency had started a probe involving eight individuals, including Lee, regarding suspected drug use in local bars and residences. Lee’s legal representative stated that the actor would fully cooperate with the investigation, though there was no explicit admission or denial of the drug use allegations.
The legal troubles and subsequent impact on his career seem to have greatly affected the actor. Early indications suggest that his death may have resulted from potential carbon monoxide poisoning, a common suicide method in South Korea.
Lee’s acting career saw exceptional success following the phenomenal performance of “Parasite” at esteemed events like the Cannes Film Festival and the Academy Awards.
Lee’s diverse body of work includes remarkable performances in the 2012 suspense movie “Helpless” and the well-received 2014 film “All About My Wife.”
Recently, Lee won over audiences with his leading role in Apple TV+’s Korean-language original series, “Dr. Brain”, demonstrating his wide-ranging talent in television.
