Lee Sun-kyun, the acclaimed South Korean actor known for his role in the Oscar-winning film “Parasite,” was found dead in what appears to be a suicide, following his recent removal from the upcoming film “No Way Out” amid a drug probe.
According to sources, the actor was found unresponsive in his car on Tuesday, December 26, 2023, in a car park in Seoul, South Korea.
Lee, 48, who gained international fame as the father in “Parasite,” had recently faced allegations of drug use, which led to his departure from the dark comedy “No Way Out.”
This departure came as authorities investigated the actor for suspected drug use. Studio X+U, the production company behind the film, said that Lee chose to leave the project to address the situation, and the film’s shooting would continue as planned.
The Incheon Metropolitan Police Agency had initiated an investigation involving eight people, including Lee, for suspected drug use in local bars and their homes. Lee’s attorney had said that the actor would cooperate fully with the investigation, although no direct acknowledgment or denial of the drug use allegations was made.
The legal troubles and subsequent career impact seemed to weigh heavily on the actor. Indications suggest that he died from possible carbon monoxide poisoning, a common method of suicide in South Korea.
Lee’s acting journey reached remarkable heights following the groundbreaking success of “Parasite” at prestigious events like the Cannes Film Festival and the Academy Awards.
His portfolio, rich and diverse, features significant performances in the 2012 suspense-filled movie “Helpless” and the 2014 acclaimed film “All About My Wife.”
More recently, Lee has captivated audiences with his leading role in Apple TV+’s Korean-language original series, “Dr. Brain”, showcasing his versatile talent in the world of television.