Acclaimed South Korean actor Lee Sun-kyun, widely recognised for his role in the Oscar-winning film ‘Parasite,’ has been found dead on Wednesday at the age of 48.
Authorities confirmed to the media that Lee was discovered unconscious in a car located in one of Seoul's main parks on Wednesday.
The circumstances surrounding Lee's death remain unclear, as investigators are yet to determine whether he took his own life.
According to reports, police received a distressing call, indicating that the actor had left his residence after leaving a note. Lee had been under investigation for alleged drug use since October, an ordeal that reportedly took a toll on his professional and personal life.
Yonhap, a South Korean news outlet, reported that Lee was suspected of consuming drugs with an employee at a Seoul bar. The actor, however, maintained that he was unaware that the substances given to him were illicit.
The hostess alleged that Lee had used drugs at her home on multiple occasions, an accusation vehemently denied by the late actor.
Lee even went so far as to request a lie detector test through his lawyer to clear his name.
Despite facing negative or inconclusive results in his drug tests, the investigation continued to cast a shadow over Lee's career. Police expressed regret over his untimely death, emphasising that the investigation had been conducted with Lee's consent, according to Korean news outlets.
Lee's agency, HODU&U Entertainment, released a statement expressing profound sorrow and despair over the tragic loss. The agency urged the public to refrain from spreading false information and baseless speculation to ensure that Lee's final journey is not marred by unfair accusations.
The actor, survived by his wife, actress Jeon Hye-jin, and two sons, had a career spanning over two decades, with a significant impact on the South Korean entertainment industry.
Lee gained international acclaim for his role as Park Dong-ik in "Parasite," a film that made history by winning four Oscars, including Best Picture, in 2020.
The drug investigation took a toll on Lee's professional life as well, leading to his removal from the cast of "No Way Out," a mystery TV series that began filming in October.
In South Korea, drug offenses, including the use of marijuana, are considered serious crimes, with potential prison sentences of up to five years.
The incident adds to a recent wave of drug-related controversies involving South Korean celebrities. Earlier this month, K-pop star G-Dragon was cleared of drug allegations after a thorough investigation. Actor Yoo Ah-in is currently undergoing trial for alleged drug use.