'Parasite's Lee Sun-kyun (48) found dead amid drug allegations
What's the story
South Korean actor Lee Sun-kyun—recognized for his role in the Oscar-winning Parasite—was found dead in his car on Wednesday in Seoul's Seongbuk district, Yonhap reported. He was 48.
Lee was discovered unresponsive next to lit charcoal briquettes in the car.
His wife had notified the police after he left home, finding what seemed to be a suicide note, reports said.
The actor's passing occurred just a day after being questioned as part of a drug abuse investigation.
Details
Lee's agency released official statement
Lee's agency released an official statement, saying, "We respectfully ask that you refrain from spreading false facts based on speculation and malicious reports...so that the deceased's final journey will be in peace."
"The funeral will be held quietly with the bereaved family and colleagues in attendance," it mentioned.
The Incheon Metropolitan Police Agency was investigating Lee and seven other people for alleged drug use.
The country's stringent drug laws stipulate punishments ranging from six months to 14 years in jail.
Case
Lee repeatedly denied 'conscious drug use'
Lee faced accusations of illegal drug use in October and had been under investigation since.
Koreaboo reported that during the inquiry, the actor denied knowingly taking hard drugs, stating, "I had taken it through the nose, using a straw, but I thought they were sleeping pills. I did not know that they were drugs."
Amid the ongoing investigation, Lee reportedly requested a polygraph test from the police just a day before his passing.
Controversy
More on Lee's drug scandal: How case unfolded
The actor underwent three rounds of police questioning amid suspicions of using marijuana at a high-end bar in Seoul's Gangnam district, allegedly misled by a hostess. He contended he was unaware of the substances consumed.
However, he tested negative in both a reagent test and a lab-based drug test, per Korea Times.
Due to this case, the actor faced professional repercussions, with news outlets indicating his removal from certain projects.
Career highlights
Quick look at Lee's career highlights
Born in 1975, Lee, a luminary of South Korean cinema, portrayed a rich father in Parasite—a Bong Joon-ho film that won the Academy Award for Best Picture.
His illustrious career included captivating lead roles in films like the 2012 thriller Helpless and the 2014 gem All About My Wife.
Lee also took the helm in Apple TV+'s first Korean-language series, the 2021 sci-fi thriller Dr. Brain, wherein he portrayed the neurologist Koh Se-won.
Helpline
Please seek help if you are having suicidal thoughts
If you or anyone you know is suffering from suicidal thoughts, you can reach out to AASRA for suicide prevention counseling. Its number is 022-27546669 (24 hours).
You can also dial Roshni NGO at +914066202000 or COOJ at +91-83222-52525. Sneha India Foundation, which works 24x7, can be contacted at +91-44246-40050.
Vandrevala Foundation's helpline number is +91-99996-66555 (call and WhatsApp).