Lee's body was later moved to a nearby Seoul hospital, confirmed by Seongbuk police. (Getty Images)
Lee Sun-kyun, a prominent South Korean actor famed for his role in the acclaimed film "Parasite," was discovered deceased in a car in Seoul after a thorough police investigation into alleged drug use.
Authorities initially found Lee unresponsive in a parked vehicle on a street in northern Seoul, believing he was unconscious. Subsequently, emergency responders confirmed his passing, as per Seoul's Seongbuk police station.
Police initiated a search for the 48-year-old actor following a report of his disappearance, as disclosed by Seongbuk police. Details surrounding the circumstances, including whether Lee took his own life, were not disclosed by authorities. However, media reports, including Yonhap news agency, mentioned Lee's family reporting his departure after leaving a note resembling a suicide message.
Renowned for his role in the Oscar-winning movie "Parasite," where he portrayed the patriarch of an affluent family, Lee earned critical acclaim. The film made history by becoming the first non-English-language picture to win Best Picture at the Academy Awards in 2020, marking a significant milestone for South Korean cinema.
In addition to his success in "Parasite," Lee received recognition, winning a Screen Actors Guild award for "cast in a motion picture" and securing a nomination for best actor at the International Emmy Awards for his role in the sci-fi thriller "Dr. Brain" in recent years.
Before his acclaimed role in "Parasite," Lee enjoyed popularity in South Korea, rising to fame with his appearances in TV dramas like "Coffee Prince (2007)," "Behind The White Tower (2007)," "Pasta (2010)," and "My Mister (2018)."
Lee had faced investigations regarding alleged drug use at a bar hostess' residence, resulting in extensive media coverage. He maintained that he was deceived into consuming illegal drugs and was unaware of their nature, according to Yonhap.
The scandal affected his career, leading to the loss of multiple acting projects, as reported by AFP. South Korea has stringent drug laws where a first-time drug use conviction can result in six months' imprisonment, and repeat offenders might face up to 14 years, according to Reuters. Moreover, even legal drug consumption abroad could lead to prosecution upon returning to South Korea, highlighting the country's strict legal stance on drug-related issues, as detailed by AFP.
