Lee Sun-Kyun, the talented actor known for his role in the Oscar-winning film “Parasite,” has passed away at the age of 48. His life came to a tragic end last Wednesday when he was found dead in a car at a park in Seoul, in what appears to be a case of suicide. The actor had been reported missing, leading to a search that ended with this heartbreaking discovery.
Lee had faced challenges in recent times, with reports stating that he was questioned by the police three times over allegations of illegal drug use amid a government crackdown. One of the interrogation sessions reportedly lasted 19 hours. Lee claimed that he had been deceived into taking drugs by a bar hostess attempting to blackmail him.
His disappearance was initially reported by his manager, who informed the police that Lee had left home, leaving behind an apparent suicide note. Authorities acted promptly on this information, leading to the discovery of the actor in the car at the park.
For those unfamiliar with “Parasite,” the movie, directed by Bong Joon-ho, won the Academy Award in 2020 in four categories: best picture, best director, best original screenplay, and best international feature film.
In “Parasite,” Lee portrayed the character Mr. Park, whose affluent home becomes the target of a complex scheme by a lower-class family posing as skilled domestic workers. The film, a dark-comedy thriller, received six Oscar nominations.
Apart from his role in “Parasite,” Lee had notable leading roles in South Korean films like the 2012 thriller “Helpless” and 2014’s “All About My Wife.” In 2021, he played the lead in Apple TV+’s first Korean-language original series, “Dr. Brain,” a six-episode sci-fi thriller.
Lee Sun-Kyun is survived by his wife, award-winning actress Jeon Hye-jin, and their two children. This news comes as a shock to the entertainment industry and his fans, who remember him for his significant contributions to Korean cinema and television.