- 'Parasite' star Lee Sun-kyun has passed away
- His death was ruled a suicide
- Here is what we know so far
Yet again, Hollywood and the entertainment community is gripped with sadness. The nation is in mourning, and the entertainment industry is grappling with the loss of a true cinematic powerhouse. Lee, who brought the patriarch "Park Dong-ik" to life in Parasite,' was discovered in his vehicle early Wednesday morning, following a missing person report filed by his concerned manager.
It could have been different...
The scene was a somber tableau, with forensic experts meticulously examining the area, shielded by the stark boundary of police tape. These kinds of things are never easy to report on.
Lee had left behind a suicide note before being found unconscious in a car filled with carbon monoxide next to a Seoul park, police said. His death came two months after he was reportedly dropped from a film in connection with his alleged drug use and days after he endured a 19-hour interrogation about it, his third questioning in as many months, officials said.
The plot thickens with revelations of Lee's entanglement in a drug investigation. Despite multiple interrogations since October and a 19-hour detainment, all drug tests returned negative. Lee's narrative took a darker turn as he claimed to have been duped into drug use and blackmailed, leading him to file a lawsuit against the alleged perpetrator.
In a bid to clear his name, Lee had even requested a polygraph test for himself and two apprehended suspects, demonstrating his determination to fight the allegations. The police, honoring the actor's privacy, had endeavored to keep the investigation under wraps, in line with South Korean legal protocol.
The celebrity's demise has prompted a stern warning from his agency, Hodu & U Entertainment, against the spread of unverified information, underscoring the profound grief and shock that has enveloped his loved ones.
A true pioneer
Lee Sun-kyun was born on March 2, 1975, in Seoul, South Korea. He attended the Korea National University of Arts in 1994 and graduated as part of the university's first-ever class of its School of Drama.
His big television break came in the form of the the medical drama White Tower in 2007, and he would continute on to star in such projects as 'Coffee Prince', 'Drama City', and Miss Korea. On the movie front, some of his biggest roles include the psychological thriller 'Helpless' and the romantic comedy 'All About My Wife.'
Lee's illustrious career, spanning over two decades, catapulted him to global stardom with 'Parasite,' and earned him critical acclaim in projects like 'Behind the White Tower,' 'Pasta,' and the Emmy-nominated 'Dr. Brain.' His final bow came with the horror flick 'Sleep,' which garnered accolades from the likes of "Parasite" director Bong Joon-ho.
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Rest in peace
President Yoon Suk Yeol promised this spring that his government would "join all forces to win the war on drugs," following the drug arrest of another A-list actor, Yoo Ah-in, and after a crime ring blackmailed the parents of teenagers who were given drinks laced with methamphetamine, 'The Korea Times' reported.
As the nation bids a somber farewell to a celebrated talent, Lee's legacy as a husband to actress Jeon Hye-jin and father to their two sons endures beyond the silver screen.
For those grappling with the darkness of mental health struggles, remember, help is within reach. Reach out, speak up, and let's hold onto hope together.
