SEOUL - Lee Sun-kyun, known for his role in the Oscar-winning film "Parasite," was found dead in an apparent suicide on Wednesday, amid a drug probe involving the actor.
According to Philippines News Agency, Lee, in his 40s, was discovered unconscious in a car near Waryong Park in central Seoul at 10:30 a.m. The authorities identified the individual as Lee Sun-kyun and noted the presence of a charcoal briquette in the vehicle, a common method for inducing carbon monoxide poisoning. Lee's manager had alerted the police earlier that the actor had left his home after leaving a note resembling a suicide message and had taken his car. The manager had gone to Lee's residence in Cheongdam-dong, southern Seoul, due to Lee being unreachable.
Following the discovery, Lee's body was transported to Seoul National University Hospital.
The investigation into Lee's alleged drug use began earlier this year. He had been questioned three times by the police on suspicion of consuming marijuana and other illegal drugs at the home of a hostess from a high-end bar in Seoul's Gangnam district. The most recent questioning session, held last Saturday, extended for 19 hours. In late October, Lee was officially booked as a suspect in this drug case, which originated from a tip-off about illegal drug circulation in Gangnam bars.
Lee maintained that he was deceived into taking drugs, claiming he was unaware of the substances he was given. Despite his involvement in the investigation, Lee tested negative in both the immediate reagent test conducted during the police investigations and the more comprehensive lab-based drug test by the National Forensic Service last month.
During his first police questioning on October 28, Lee publicly apologized for the disappointment caused, expressing sorrow for his family's suffering. He also filed a complaint against two individuals, including the hostess, accusing them of blackmail and fraud. Asserting his innocence, Lee requested a polygraph test the day before his last police appearance. His lawyer had advocated for a lie detector test to ascertain the truth between Lee and the hostess, who allegedly told police that Lee had used drugs multiple times at her residence.
Lee Sun-kyun, 48, gained international recognition following "Parasite's" success at the 2020 Academy Awards. He won a Screen Actors Guild Award with his "Parasite" co-stars in 2021 and was nominated for the best actor award at the International Emmy Awards last year for his role in "Dr. Brain." This year, two of Lee's films, "Sleep" and "Project Silence," were featured at the 76th annual Cannes Film Festival.