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| South Korean actor Lee Sun-kyun |
South Korean actor Lee Sun-kyun, best known for his role in the Oscar-winning film Parasite, has been found dead in a car in Seoul's main parks. The actor, 48, was found unconscious after leaving home after writing a note. He had been under investigation for alleged drug use since October. According to Yonhap, Lee was suspected of taking drugs such as marijuana and ketamine with a hostess at a bar in Seoul. He denied knowing that they were illicit drugs and had requested a lie detector test through his lawyer.
Police regret that Lee died in the midst of investigations but stated that the investigation was "conducted with [his] consent". Lee's agency, HODU&U Entertainment, expressed sorrow and despair over the news of his death and requested that false facts be spread to ensure an unfair final journey for him.
Lee had a career spanning over two decades, starring in numerous films and TV shows. He rose to international fame as Park Dong-ik in Parasite, the father in the wealthy Park family which is infiltrated by members of a poor family posing as unrelated individuals. The film swept four Oscars in 2020, including best picture, becoming the first non-English language film to win the prize.
In South Korea, celebrities are held to high standards of propriety. Lee's reputation was damaged due to reports of his alleged drug use, leading to his drop from No Way Out, a mystery TV series. Businesses were also seen taking down posters and advertisements featuring Lee from their stores.
Drug offences, including those involving marijuana usage, are considered serious crimes in South Korea, with consumption carries prison sentences of up to five years. President Yoon Suk Yeol has vowed a crackdown on drugs, with the country's authorities expanding its drug crimes department this year and the national police chief promising "a total war" on drug crimes.
