Parasite Star Lee Sun-kyun Founded Dead at age of 48
South Korean actor Lee Sun-kyun, renowned for his role in the Oscar-winning film Parasite, has tragically been found dead at the age of 48, as confirmed by authorities to the BBC. Discovered unconscious in a car in one of Seoul’s main parks on Wednesday, the circumstances surrounding his death remain unclear. While it’s uncertain if Lee Sun-kyun took his own life, police received a report that he had left home after leaving a note.
The actor had been under investigation for alleged drug use since October, with suspicions of marijuana and ketamine use with a hostess at a Seoul bar. Lee Sun-kyun claimed he unknowingly took what she provided, unaware they were illicit substances. Despite negative or inconclusive drug test results, Lee Sun-kyun faced considerable damage to his reputation, leading to his removal from the TV series No Way Out.
Lee Sun-kyun’s agency, HODU&U Entertainment, expressed deep sorrow and urged against spreading false information based on speculation. Married to actress Jeon Hye-jin with two young sons, Lee Sun-kyun had a successful career spanning over two decades, reaching international fame with Parasite.
The news of his death sparked strong reactions online, with many expressing empathy for the challenges Lee Sun-kyun may have faced. South Korea, known for holding celebrities to high standards, saw Lee Sun-kyun’s clean image tarnished by the investigation, resulting in professional consequences. The country’s strict stance on drug offenses, including marijuana use, emphasizes the seriousness of such allegations. Notably, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has pledged a crackdown on drugs, reflecting a broader societal concern around the issue.
Lee Sun-kyun’s demise marks a poignant moment for the entertainment industry, prompting reflections on the challenges celebrities face and the societal expectations that contribute to their struggles.
