The film industry mourns the loss of Lee Sun-kyun, the talented South Korean actor who gained international acclaim for his role in the 2020 Oscar-winning movie “Parasite.” According to reports from the Associated Press and South Korean news agency Yonhap, Lee Sun-kyun passed away on Wednesday morning at the age of 48.
A Tragic End
Lee Sun-kyun was found dead in a car at a central Seoul park. Prior to his death, Lee’s family had reported that he had left behind a suicide note and had left home early that day. It is a tragic ending that leaves fans and the film community shocked and saddened.
A Controversial Journey
In recent months, Lee Sun-kyun had been under investigation by the South Korean police for alleged illegal drug use. He, along with seven others, was being investigated for drug-related offenses. Lee had claimed to be the victim of blackmail and had lost a significant amount of money due to extortion.
The actor had been questioned by the police multiple times regarding his alleged use of marijuana and other drugs earlier in the year. According to Lee, he was tricked and unaware of the substances he had consumed. The investigation added a layer of controversy to his already successful career.
A Stellar Career
“Parasite” not only garnered critical acclaim but also won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture. Lee Sun-kyun portrayed the character of Park Dong-ik, the wealthy father of the Park family. His performance, along with the rest of the cast, earned them the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture.
Beyond “Parasite,” Lee Sun-kyun showcased his talent and versatility in various South Korean projects. He starred in the Apple TV+ series “Dr. Brain,” the first South Korean series on the platform, and received a nomination for Best Actor at the 2022 International Emmy Awards.
Fondly Remembered
Lee Sun-kyun was a well-known figure in Korean cinema, and his presence will be deeply missed. His contributions to the film industry extended beyond “Parasite,” with notable performances in projects such as “Payback,” “Diary of a Prosecutor,” “My Mister,” “Killing Romance,” and “Kingmaker” throughout the 2000s and 2010s.
In addition to his acting career, Lee was a loving husband to actor Jeon Hye-jin, with whom he had two children. He leaves behind a legacy of talent and dedication to his craft that will continue to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide.
Rest in peace, Lee Sun-kyun.
Source: Variety