In a devastating turn of events, South Korean actor Lee Sun-kyun, celebrated for his role in the Oscar-winning film Parasite, has been found dead at the age of 48. Authorities confirmed the news to the BBC, revealing that the actor was discovered unconscious in a car in one of Seoul’s main parks on Wednesday. While the circumstances surrounding his death remain unclear, reports suggest he had been under investigation for alleged drug use since October.
In Parasite, Lee portrayed the patriarch of the wealthy Park family, whose life becomes entangled with members of a poor family posing as unrelated individuals. The film, a vicious social satire, clinched four Oscars, including the prestigious Best Picture award.
The investigation into Lee’s alleged drug use involved suspicions of marijuana and ketamine consumption with a hostess at a bar in Seoul, as reported by Yonhap news agency. Lee insisted that he was unaware of the illicit nature of the substances he had taken. The hostess claimed he used drugs at her home multiple times, an accusation he vehemently denied, prompting him to request a lie detector test through his lawyer.
Despite negative or inconclusive drug test results, the inquiry continued, with Lee undergoing three rounds of questioning. The actor’s agency, HODU&U Entertainment, issued a statement expressing sorrow and despair, urging the public to refrain from spreading false information based on speculation.
The news of Lee’s death sparked an outpouring of emotions online, with many expressing sympathy and reflecting on the challenges faced by celebrities. The actor, a family man married to actress Jeon Hye-jin with two young sons, had a career spanning over two decades and rose to international fame with Parasite, marking the first non-English language film to win the Best Picture Oscar.
In South Korea, celebrities are held to high standards of propriety, and Lee had a squeaky-clean image prior to the drug investigation. The scandal dealt a severe blow to his reputation, leading to his removal from the mystery TV series No Way Out, which began shooting in October. Reports indicated that businesses started removing posters and advertisements featuring Lee from their stores.
Drug offences, particularly marijuana use, are considered serious crimes in South Korea, with potential prison sentences of up to five years. President Yoon Suk Yeol has pledged a crackdown on drugs, and this year, the country’s authorities expanded the drug crimes department, promising a “total war” on drug crimes.
Lee Sun-kyun’s tragic demise adds to a recent wave of South Korean celebrities facing drug-related investigations. Earlier this month, K-pop star G-Dragon was cleared of drug allegations after weeks of investigations, while actor Yoo Ah-in is currently standing trial for drug use.
The shocking end to Lee Sun-kyun’s life raises questions about the challenges celebrities face in a society that demands high standards, shedding light on the complexities of fame, scandal, and the toll it takes on individuals in the public eye. As we reflect on this heartbreaking incident, it prompts a broader conversation about the expectations placed on those in the limelight and the delicate balance between personal struggles and public scrutiny.
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