Actor Lee Sun-kyun, renowned for his role in the Oscar-winning film “Parasite,” has been found dead in an apparent suicide amid an ongoing investigation into suspected drug use. The 48-year-old actor’s body was discovered in a car in central Seoul, with signs indicating carbon monoxide poisoning. Lee had been undergoing police questioning over allegations of marijuana use at the home of a hostess in Seoul’s Gangnam district. The investigation had been ongoing since October, following a tipoff about illegal drug circulation.
Timeline:
- October 2023: Lee Sun-kyun is booked as a suspect in a drug investigation based on information about drug circulation in Gangnam.
- October 28, 2023: Lee issues an apology during his first police questioning, expressing remorse for causing disappointment to his family.
- Ongoing Investigations: Lee undergoes three rounds of police questioning and faces accusations of drug use. He maintains innocence, claiming he was tricked into taking drugs.
- December 22, 2023: Lee Sun-kyun is found dead in his car, with a charcoal briquette indicating carbon monoxide poisoning. This occurs as investigations into the drug allegations continue.
Key Points:
- Drug Use Allegations: Lee faced suspicions of using marijuana and other illegal drugs, with investigations centering on his visits to a high-end bar in Gangnam.
- Denial and Counter-Complaint: The actor consistently denied drug use, stating he was deceived by the hostess. He filed a complaint against two individuals, including the hostess, accusing them of blackmail and swindling.
- Negative Drug Tests: Lee tested negative in both a reagent test and a lab-based drug test by the National Forensic Service. He consistently maintained his innocence.
- Global Recognition: Lee Sun-kyun gained international acclaim for his role in “Parasite,” which won the Academy Awards in 2020. He had a successful career, including winning a Screen Actors Guild Award in 2021.
Impact:
- The actor’s death is a tragic turn in a high-profile case, highlighting the challenges faced by individuals under investigation and the toll it takes on mental health.
- The entertainment industry mourns the loss of a talented actor, emphasizing the importance of mental health support within the industry.
The circumstances surrounding Lee Sun-kyun’s death bring attention to the complexities of navigating legal challenges, public scrutiny, and personal struggles within the public eye.
Author of Social News Outlet, Tanvi Garg weaves compelling narratives that illuminate the human stories behind headlines.
