Award-Winning Actor Dies Suddenly At 48

In what South Korean authorities are investigating as a suicide, award-winning actor Lee Sun-kyun, known for his famous role in the Oscar-winning film “Parasite,” was found dead in his car parked in Seoul Wednesday.

The New York Times reports that Mr. Lee was under police investigation, suspected of using illegal drugs. However, Lee publicly and vehemently denied the accusations suggesting that they were a form of blackmail.

Chief Detective Jeon Yu-deung of the Seongbuk police station told reporters that Lee’s manager reported him missing early on Wednesday and authorities located his body by triangulating his phone. He noted that what appeared to be a suicide note was found with Mr. Lee’s body.

Reuters reported that Lee was survived by award-winning actress Jeon Hye-jin and their two children. The news wire reported that “Lee’s agency, HODU&U Entertainment, did not respond to calls. However, domestic media cited a statement by the agency that expressed sadness at the death, while urging restraint regarding false information, speculation, or malicious reports.”

When allegations of drug use surfaced in October, Lee denied the accusations in multiple statements according to the Times, and said he was the target of a blackmail plot.

He reportedly maintained this public stance to the end, speaking to the press after a 19-hour interrogation this week he said, “I ask that the police make a good judgment about whose side’s statements are credible between me and the blackmailers.”

The outlet observed that the South Korean government has adopted a very strict policy on drugs with convicted drug offenders subjected to sentences varying from six months to 14 years in prison.

The South Korean entertainment industry in particular was scandalized by a myriad of drug abuse cases such as that of Yoo Ah-in known for his “Hellbound” role on Netflix whose home was raided in March after he tested positive for ketamine, cocaine, marijuana, and propofol, a powerful sedative.

The Associated Press reported in greater depth that Lee was being investigated for allegations he “used illegal drugs at the residence of a bar hostess. The investigation prompted extensive tabloid coverage. Mr. Lee insisted he was tricked into taking the drugs and that he did not know what he was taking.”

Yonhap reported that Lee tested negative for marijuana and other illegal drugs in both reagent tests conducted during police investigations as well as lab-based drug tests by the National Forensic Service in November.