The South Korean film industry is mourning the loss of one of its brightest stars, Lee Sun-kyun, who passed away on Wednesday morning. His death was confirmed by multiple sources, including the Associated Press and South Korea’s Yonhap news agency. At just 48 years old, Lee’s sudden passing has left many in shock.
Tragically, Lee’s body was discovered in a car located in a park in central Seoul. This discovery followed a search initiated by the police after Lee’s family reported his disappearance, along with a suicide note he had apparently left behind.
Lee Sun-Kyun Dies: 'Parasite' Actor Was 48 https://t.co/IRdGf6T1fU
— Deadline Hollywood (@DEADLINE) December 27, 2023
Lee’s recent life was complicated by a police investigation into allegations of illegal drug use. He was one of eight individuals being scrutinized by the Incheon Metropolitan Police Agency. Lee had been entangled in a blackmailing scheme, reportedly losing a substantial sum of money. Despite being interrogated by the police as recently as the previous Saturday, Lee maintained that he was deceived into drug use, claiming innocence and unawareness about the substances he was allegedly consuming.
Lee Sun-kyun was renowned for his role in the internationally acclaimed film Parasite, which achieved historic success in 2020 by winning four Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival. This marked a monumental achievement for South Korean cinema. In “Parasite,” Lee portrayed Park Dong-ik, the patriarch of an affluent family who unwittingly becomes entangled with a deceptive, lower-class family, leading to a dramatic and tragic conclusion.
BREAKING: 🇰🇷 South Korean actor Lee Sun-Kyun of Oscar-winning film 'Parasite' dies, suicide note found. pic.twitter.com/lp7BPG3zm7
— Global Index (@TheGlobal_Index) December 27, 2023
Following his success in Parasite, Lee’s career continued to flourish. He starred in the Apple TV+ series Dr. Brain, earning a nomination for Best Actor at the 2022 International Emmy Awards. His filmography includes a variety of prominent South Korean titles like Payback, Diary of a Prosecutor, and My Mister, among others. His presence was also felt in the international cinema scene, recently appearing in films such as Project Silence and Sleep, with the latter dominating the Korean box office.
Lee’s legacy is carried on by his wife, fellow actor Jeon Hye-jin, and their two children. His passing is a significant loss to the world of cinema, both in South Korea and globally. Source
