Parasite actor Lee Sun-kyun dies after being found unconscious in car park
Actor Lee Sun-kyun, who starred in Oscar-winning film Parasite, has died after being found unconscious in a car park amid a drugs probe.
Emergency services discovered the 48-year-old star in Seoul, South Korea, inside a car after his panicked family reported him missing after finding a message similar to a suicide note. South Korean media said he was found slumped in a vehicle next to a charcoal briquette - used for starting fires.
The actor had reportedly been under investigation since October for alleged illegal drug use - although he claimed he was being blackmailed.
Lee shot to worldwide fame after the 2019 comedy thriller Parasite became the first non-English language film to win the Academy Award for Best Picture in 2020. The movie won four Oscars, plus a Golden Globe, a BAFTA and a Screen Actors Guild award.
Actor Lee Sun-kyun, who starred in Oscar-winning film Parasite, has died aged 48Drug offences in South Korea are punishable by up to 14 years in prison for repeat offenders and sellers, and at least six months in jail. The country maintains strict regulations against drugs.
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South Korean media said police had questioned Lee three times, including for 19 hours over the weekend. According to Yonhap, the actor said that a bar hostess had deceived him into taking narcotics and that she had subsequently attempted to blackmail him.
Lee - who starred in 2019's Parasite (pictured) - said that a bar hostess had deceived him into taking narcotics (PA Photo/Curzon Artificial Eye)The star claimed during police questioning: "I inhaled using a straw through my nose but thought it was a sleeping pill. I had no idea it was a drug." The investigation also determined that the manager had provided precise dates and locations for five drug-related incidents.
The bar hostess claimed: "I saw Lee Sun-kyun inhale ketamine powder using a straw. I mentioned ketamine to him and he seemed curious, so I got it for him and he used it."
Police investigate the car in which Lee's body was found in a car park in Seoul, South Korea (YONHAP/AFP via Getty Images)
An ambulance carrying the body of Lee Sun-kyun leaves a park in central Seoul (YONHAP/AFP via Getty Images)Lee had asked the Drug Crime Investigation Unit of the Incheon Metropolitan Police Agency to administer a polygraph test through his legal representative.
"We are in an incredibly unjust situation, Lee Sun Gyun should undergo a polygraph test to scientifically verify whose statement is accurate," the actor's lawyer said.
In October, Lee had been on his way to an Incheon police station to meet with investigators when he spoke to reporters and said in a brief statement: "I sincerely apologise for causing great disappointment to many people by being involved in such an unpleasant incident. I feel sorry for my family, which is enduring such difficult pain at this moment."
A car in which actor Lee Sun-kyun was found dead is towed near a park in Seoul (YONHAP/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)
Lee Sun-Kyun attends the screening of Parasite during the 72nd annual Cannes Film Festival on May 21, 2019 (Getty Images)South Korean actress Arden Cho lamented Lee's death in a tribute post on X, formerly Twitter. "I am so heartbroken, we’ve lost one of the most talented & kind artists today," Arden said. "I love Korean entertainment and media but I feel sick.. a beautiful soul was lost, media is terrifying. Lee Sun Kyun, thank you for your art and your life. May you rest in peace. May the world change. Artists give up their lives to bring others joy. Make sacrifices people wouldn’t understand.. but we are human, no one’s perfect."
Fans also paid tribute to the actor, with one writing: "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." While another commented: "I’m so sad to wake up to the news of Lee Sun-kyun’s passing. Apart from playing a major part in the biggest South Korean film of all time he also gifted us some incredible performances as anti-heroes in A HARD DAY and JO PIL-HO: THE DAWNING RAGE. He will be missed."
South Korean police released a statement following his death (YONHAP/AFP via Getty Images)Lee first began his career in musical theatre after graduating from the Korea National University of Arts in its first ever School of Drama in 1994. At first, he only played supporting roles onscreen, but got his first break working with TV director Lee Yoon-jung on Taereung National Village in 2005. She went on to cast him in her popular series Coffee Prince, which brought him into the mainstream with his role in White Tower. He went on to star in 2010's Pasta, Golden Time in 2012 and My Mister in 2018.
The actor garnered much success on the silver screen in 2009's Paju, for which he received a Best Actor award from the Las Palmas de Gran Canaria International Film Festival, 2012 mystery thriller Helpless, All About My Wife (2012) and 2014 black comedy A Hard Day. In 2019, he famously starred in Oscar-winning black comedy Parasite.
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He wed his actress girlfriend Jeon Hye on May 23 2009 after seven years of dating, going on to announce their first son had been born in November that year. Their second son was born on August 9 2011.
For emotional support you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email [email protected], visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.
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