In a tragic turn of events, Lee Sun-kyun, the renowned actor known for his role in the Oscar-winning film “Parasite,” was found dead after allegedly taking his own life on Wednesday. The actor was facing an investigation related to suspected drug use, adding a somber note to his illustrious career, according to a report by the Yonhap News Agency.
Discovery of Lee Sun-kyun’s Body
The 40-year-old actor was discovered unconscious in a car parked at a central Seoul park at 10:30 a.m. Law enforcement officials identified the man as Lee Sun-kyun, who was seated in the passenger seat alongside a charcoal briquette.
The discovery followed a report to the police stating that Lee had left home after leaving behind a memo resembling a goodbye note.
Investigation into Suspected Drug Use
Lee Sun-kyun had been under investigation regarding suspicions of drug use, particularly marijuana. The investigation centered around his alleged visits to the home of a hostess working at a high-end bar in Seoul’s Gangnam district.
The actor underwent three rounds of police questioning, with the latest session occurring last Saturday. Lee insisted that he was deceived by the hostess and unknowingly consumed the drugs.
Despite testing negative in both the reagent test conducted during police investigations and the lab-based drug test conducted by the National Forensic Service the previous month, the actor faced ongoing scrutiny regarding his alleged involvement with illegal substances.
Actor’s Version of Events
Lee Sun-kyun maintained his innocence, claiming that he was tricked into taking drugs and was unaware of their nature.
His insistence on being deceived by the hostess added complexity to the investigation, as authorities sought to ascertain the veracity of his statements.
Tragic End to a Celebrated Career
The sudden death of Lee Sun-kyun marks a tragic conclusion to a career that had achieved international acclaim, notably with his role in the critically acclaimed film “Parasite,” which won the Oscar for Best Picture in 2020. The actor’s untimely demise has left the entertainment industry and fans in shock and mourning.