Actor Lee Sun-kyun, star of the Academy Award-winning film Parasite and the popular Korean TV drama My Mister was found dead in his car on the morning of Dec. 27. The Korean actor had recently been under investigation for alleged drug use.
Lee, 48, was being investigated by Korea’s Incheon Metropolitan Police Agency on charges of violating Korea’s Drugs Control Act. He was accused of using marijuana and other drugs multiple times at a bar in Seoul and at the home of the bar’s hostess. The actor was first summoned by police for questioning in October and at that time apologized to his fans and family for the scandal he caused. “I feel sorry to my family members who are enduring too difficult pains at this moment,” said Lee. “I again sincerely apologize to everyone.”
The police requested a hair sample to determine whether the actor smoked marijuana, but drug results were negative. Recreational cannabis use is illegal in South Korea, with violations punishable by up to five years in prison or a fine of up to 50 million won, about $42,000. Given Korea’s conservative attitude toward drug use, even allegations can potentially derail his career.
Lee was subsequently dropped from two project he had started working on— the upcoming drama No Way Out and upcoming second season of the Apple TV drama Dr. Brain, which has not yet begun filming. He had a major role in the yet-to-be released disaster film Project Silence, as well as in the film Land of Happiness. The release of both films was delayed. Lee and his wife, actress Jeon Hye-jin, were both featured in current ads, but after news of the allegations, the companies erased their faces from these ads.
Lee was summoned by the police again in November. He continued to claim his innocence, saying that he had been tricked by the hostess into taking the drugs and then blackmailed. He claimed that she had extorted some 350 million won ($270,000) from him. In November, Lee again tested negative for drugs during police investigations. His death took place just days after his third visit to the police on Dec. 24. His wife reported him missing after finding what seemed like a suicide note.
Lee’s agency, HODU&U Entertainment, released a statement regarding his death, “There is no way to contain the sorrow and despair. We respectfully ask that you refrain from spreading false facts based on speculation—so that his final journey will not be unfair.”
This year the beloved actor appeared in two films, the dark comedy Killing Romance and Sleep, which won an award at the Blue Dragon Awards. He is also known for his work in the dramas My Mister, Payback: Money and Power, Dr. Brain, Diary of a Prosecutor, Pasta and Coffee Prince.
Korea’s entertainment industry mourned his death by canceling several events scheduled for Dec. 27.
Read the full article here