Tragedy strikes as parasite star passes away; Police discover unconscious body in Seoul park

In a shocking turn of events, Lee Sun-kyun, renowned for his role in the Oscar-winning film Parasite, has been discovered lifeless inside a car in a Seoul park. The 48-year-old actor’s untimely demise comes in the midst of a police investigation into suspected drug use.

Lee Sun-kyun, celebrated for his outstanding performance in Parasite, was found unconscious in a car in Seoul at 10:30 am on Wednesday, as reported by The Korea Times. The distressing incident unfolded as police received a report from the actor’s wife about a discovered suicide note at their home, prompting an immediate search.

The actor was under investigation for alleged marijuana and illegal drug use, accused of frequenting the home of a high-end bar hostess for drug-related activities throughout the year. Sun-kyun asserted that he was misled into drug consumption by the hostess, according to The Korea Times. Despite testing negative for drugs in two recent tests, the actor had undergone three rounds of extensive police questioning, including a 19-hour session over the past weekend.

South Korean drug laws are stringent, with potential penalties ranging from six months to 14 years for repeat offenders. Sun-kyun’s death marks a profound loss for the entertainment industry, as he portrayed Dong Ik in the critically acclaimed film Parasite, which made history by winning the 2020 Oscar for Best Picture. The actor received a 2021 Screen Actors Guild award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture for his role in Parasite.

In addition to Parasite, Sun-kyun showcased his versatility in the 2014 action film A Hard Day and the 2009 drama Paju. His recent work included starring in 12 episodes of the 2023 crime series Payback, where he played the main character Eun Yong.

Tributes are pouring in for the late actor, acknowledging his remarkable talent and expressing sorrow over the tragic circumstances leading to his untimely demise. Fans and colleagues alike are mourning the loss of a significant figure in Korean cinema.