South Korean actor Lee Sun-Kyun, famed for his role in the Oscar-winning film “Parasite”, has reportedly died in an apparent suicide, two months after becoming embroiled in a drugs investigation.
The 48-year-old actor was found in a parked vehicle in Seongbuk, a district in the northern part of the South Korean capital, a local police official told AFP. Another police source cited by South Korean news agency Yonhap said Lee had left a note that resembled a suicide note, reinforcing the notion of suicide.
The actor was facing a police investigation over allegations of using cannabis and other psychoactive substances. This scandal tarnished his successful image, resulting in a loss of television appearances and advertising contracts, South Korean media sources suggest.
Lee had prominent roles in several films by director Hong Sang-soo, including “Haewon and the Men” in 2013. He gained international fame with “Parasite”, directed by Bong Joon-ho, where he played the part of a wealthy family’s father who falls under the influence of the impoverished family they employ.
His latest film, “Sleep”, in which he portrayed a sleepwalking husband terrorising his wife, was shown out of competition at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival in the Critics’ Week category.
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Lee had spoken to journalists at the end of October, prior to being questioned at a police station in the city of Incheon, near Seoul. “I sincerely apologise for disappointing so many people by being involved in such an unpleasant incident,” he said, adding: “I feel sorry for my family who are enduring such hardship at this time… Once again, I sincerely apologise to everyone.”
South Korean law takes a severe stance on drug use. This year, President Yoon Suk Yeol has called for stricter measures to eliminate drug trafficking, in a country where even the sale of cannabis can lead to a life sentence.
Penalties can also be imposed on people returning to South Korea after legally consuming cannabis abroad.
