The South Korean film industry is in shock after the sudden death of Lee Sun-kyun, one of the stars of the Oscar-winning movie Parasite. The 48-year-old actor was discovered by a passerby in a park in Seoul on Wednesday morning, with signs of hanging. The police suspect that he took his own life, but have not ruled out foul play.
Lee Sun-kyun was best known for his role as Park Dong-ik, the wealthy patriarch of the Park family in Parasite, the dark comedy that made history by winning four Academy Awards in 2020, including Best Picture. He also appeared in other acclaimed films, such as A Hard Day, The King’s Case Note, and My Mister. He was regarded as one of the most versatile and talented actors in South Korea, with a wide range of roles in film, television, and theater.
The motive behind Lee’s apparent suicide is still unclear, but some media reports have linked it to a recent drug and blackmail scandal that rocked the entertainment industry. According to these reports, Lee was among several celebrities who were allegedly blackmailed by a drug dealer, who threatened to expose their drug use and sexual activities if they did not pay him. The drug dealer, identified only by his surname Kim, was arrested last week and confessed to extorting money from several stars, including Lee.
However, Lee’s agency, HODU&U Entertainment, denied any involvement of the actor in the scandal, and urged the public to refrain from spreading false rumors. The agency also expressed its condolences to Lee’s family and fans, and asked for respect and privacy in this difficult time.
Lee is survived by his wife, actress Jeon Hye-jin, and their two children. His funeral will be held privately, according to his family’s wishes. Many of his colleagues and friends in the film industry have expressed their grief and shock over his death, and paid tribute to his legacy and achievements. He will be remembered as one of the most brilliant and beloved actors of his generation.
