Parasite star Lee Sun-Kyun tragically found dead inside car after being reported missing

Publish date: 2024-05-15

Parasite star Lee Sun-Kyun has tragically died after being found inside a car, as fans across the world mourn the actor who was only 48 years old.

The award-winning actor sadly passed away while being investigated for alleged illegal drug use, police said. Parasite star Lee Sun-Kyun was found dead in his car in Seoul on Wednesday morning, (December 27). Investigations into the celebrity‘s death are ongoing, but police believe it could have been a suicide.

Parasite star Lee Sun-Kyun was interviewed by police before his death

Lee Sun-Kyun was called to a police station to answer questions surrounding allegations of illegal drug use, CNN reports, but the Parasite actor had vehemently denied the claims. Reports have stated initial tests on hair samples he supplied came back negative.

Lee had been questioned three times by officers, and was accused of smoking marijuana and other psychoactive drugs in October.

On December 23, the movie star was called in for questioning and held for 19 hours, outlets report. He was then released on the following day.

CNN wrote of the Parasite star: “Lee [Sun-Kyun] had claimed he was tricked into using drugs and subsequently blackmailed by the same individual, police said.

“Lee filed a lawsuit against the alleged blackmailer, according to police, who added they had received a tip about his alleged drug use before he filed suit.”

Emergency services were called to the scene after he was found inside a car. His family had reported him missing after allegedly finding a message similar to a suicide note. South Korean media outlets have not reported an official cause of death yet. The investigation is ongoing.

Award-winning actor’s heartbreaking statement on drug claims

In October, he made a tragic statement to reporters over the allegations of drug use.

The South Korean actor was on his way to an Incheon police station when reporters asked him about the investigation.

He said: “I sincerely apologize for causing great disappointment to many people by being involved in such an unpleasant incident. I feel sorry for my family, which is enduring such difficult pain at this moment.”

South Korea has strict drug laws, with some crimes facing a sentence of up to 14 years in jail for dealers and repeat offenders. Most crimes are punishable with at least six months behind bars.

Yonhap, the South Korean news agency, reported the actor claimed a bar hostess tricked him into taking drugs before trying to blackmail him.

Lee had asked the Drug Crime Investigation Unit of the Incheon Metropolitan Police Agency to administer a polygraph test through his lawyer.

“We are in an incredibly unjust situation, Lee Sun Gyun should undergo a polygraph test to scientifically verify whose statement is accurate,” the actor’s lawyer said.

Parasite stormed the Academy Awards

Lee shot to worldwide fame after the hit comedy thriller Parasite. It was the first non-English language film to win an Oscar for Best Picture three years ago.

The movie, which gained fame on Netflix, swept the Oscars in 2020. It won Academy Awards for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay as well as Best International Feature Film.

The flick also stormed other Award Shows. It won a Golden Globe, a BAFTA and a Screen Actors Guild gong.

Parasite star Lee Sun-Kyun was reportedly currently working on another film, No Way Out, which had started production, but dropped out.

Lee Sun-Kyun asked his future wife out after just 15 minutes

Parasite star Lee Sun-Kyun previously spoke about falling for his wife at first sight.

After the pair met at a dinner party, he couldn’t resist asking her out.

He said: “After about 15 minutes, I gained the courage to ask for her phone number… When we first considered marriage, we became anxious, so we decided to cool off and have some time alone.

“During that time I became uneasy and thought we could not be separated. I thought that although it was a passionate relationship starting with love at first sight, we also had a sweet, harmonious relationship for six and a half years and.” The actor added: “I knew I could not break up with her.”

“I laughed when I thought that and realized I was going to marry her.”

The couple married in 2009 after seven years of dating.

Ask for help

If you’ve been affected by this story, you can contact American Addiction Centers on (877) 686-7688 or Talk To Frank on 0300 123 6600 in the UK.

If you would like someone to speak to, please call the Samaritans for free on 116 123. You can also email them at [email protected] or visit samaritans.org to find your nearest branch in the UK. In the US, please visit Samaritans USA for more information.