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South Korean actor Lee Sun-kyun - internationally renowned for his captivating performance in the Academy Award-winning masterpiece Parasite - has been found dead aged 48.
Officials have now revealed that Lee's passing comes amidst an ongoing investigation into alleged illegal drug use, per CNN.
Seoul's police department confirmed the devastating news, revealing that they had initiated the search following a missing person report filed by Lee's manager. As reported by Yonhap news agency, the 48-year-old actor was identified by Seoul Police after a man in his 40s was found unconscious in a car park at 10:30AM on Wednesday (December 27).
While the precise cause of his death remains officially undetermined, the authorities have suggested that it is "presumed to be suicide".
Photos from the scene depict forensic personnel, clad in protective outfits, examining the vehicle, which had been cordoned off by police tape.
Officials state that Lee Sun-kyun had been embroiled in a drug investigation in the city of Incheon, which had summoned him for questioning three times since October. Most recently, he was summed on December 23 and held for 19 hours.
Notably, all drug tests conducted during the investigation had consistently returned negative results, Incheon police said.
Intriguingly, Lee had vehemently maintained that he was duped into using drugs and subsequently blackmailed by the very individual who later became the subject of his legal action. He had filed a lawsuit against this alleged blackmailer, a significant development that may have played a pivotal role in the unfolding investigation.
Two individuals, a man and a woman, have already been arrested in connection with the drug probe. In an effort to clear his name, Lee had specifically requested a polygraph examination.
Even though South Korean law strictly prohibits the dissemination of facts related to a suspect before a formal public indictment, Lee's family has opted against an autopsy. The police expressed their condolences to the grieving family and pledged to uphold the law's confidentiality provisions throughout the ongoing investigation.
Hodu & U Entertainment, the agency representing Lee Sun-kyun, has since shared a tribute to their late actor. The agency announced that a "quiet" funeral, attended by immediate family members and colleagues, would be held to pay final respects to the departed actor. In the wake of Lee's tragic passing, the agency implored the public to refrain from propagating unfounded information or engaging in baseless speculation.
"Actor Lee Sun-kyun passed away today,” the company said, per CNN. "There is no way to contain the sorrow and devastated feelings."
South Korea enforces some of the world's most stringent drug laws, with severe penalties for drug-related offenses, including trafficking and distribution, which can lead to life imprisonment. Such stringent measures have often resulted in career setbacks for South Korean celebrities, including contract cancellations and the postponement of movie releases.
In response to the escalating issue of drug use within the country, South Korea's justice ministry initiated a government-wide cooperation system in October 2022. Earlier this year, President Yoon Suk Yeol made a resolute commitment to harness all government resources in his resolute war against drug abuse.
Lee Sun-kyun's illustrious career, spanning more than two decades, had propelled him to the status of a domestic household name. His international breakthrough arrived with Parasite, a groundbreaking cinematic achievement that etched history as the first non-English and South Korean film to secure the coveted Academy Award for Best Picture in 2020.
His remarkable talents extended far beyond the silver screen, earning accolades for his roles in television series such as Behind the White Tower (2007), Pasta (2010), and the sci-fi thriller series Dr. Brain, which merited him a coveted nomination for an International Emmy Award.
Many of the actor's fans have also taken to social media to pay tribute Lee, and are sharing some of their favourite performances from the late star.
One fan wrote: "Lee Sun-Kyun was a great actor. First introduced to him via R-Point as a kid, then he exploded with Parasite. At this last Fantastic Fest with Sleep and Project Silence he really cemented himself as a compelling leading man. Thoughts are with his family during this tragic time."
Another said: "Actor Lee Sun-kyun (March 2, 1975 - December 27, 2023). May he rest in peace. Among his many wonderful projects, Lee was praiseworthy in 'Parasite' and exceptional in 'My Mister.' May he be remembered for his excellent work and creative gifts."
Lee Sun-kyun is survived by his wife, the renowned Korean actress Jeon Hye-jin, and their two sons. Our thoughts go out to the actor's loved ones and fans. at this time.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org
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