'Parasite' Actor Lee Sun-kyun Has Died Amid Drug Investigation in South Korea

By Dustin Rowles | Celebrity | December 27, 2023 |

By Dustin Rowles | Celebrity | December 27, 2023 |

South Korean actor Lee Sun-kyun, best known for his role in the Oscar-winning film Parasite, has died. His body was discovered in his car in Seoul.

The 48-year-old’s death follows a recent police investigation into alleged drug use — authorities had questioned him on two previous occasions in recent months, and he’d lost a role in a film in October because of the investigation. The investigation intensified when Lee was spotted at the police station last Saturday. His body was found in a park when his wife contacted the police after she found what seemed to be a suicide note.

South Korea has harsh drug laws. Drug-related crimes are punishable by at least six months in prison or up to 14 years for repeat offenders and dealers, according to The Straights Times. There’s also reportedly a considerable stigma attached to drug use in South Korea, so much so that people are discouraged from seeking treatment. South Koreans aren’t even allowed to use cannabis while abroad in countries where it is legal (and can be arrested and imprisoned for up to five years upon their return).

Lee gained worldwide fame as Park Dong-ik in Bong Joon-ho’s Parasite, which was nominated for multiple Oscars in 2020. In South Korea, Lee’s career also included numerous comedy movies and TV series, including this year’s Killing Romance. He also won an International Emmy for his role in Apple TV+’s first Korean series, Dr. Brain, among one of our favorite shows of 2021.

He was married to actress Jeon Hye-jin. Lee leaves behind two children.