Lee Sun-Kyun, Parasite Star & K-Drama Veteran, Dies At 48
The following article contains mentions of suicide
As reported by South Korean news agency Yonhap, "Parasite" actor Lee Sun-kyun has died at the age of 48. The publication stated that the actor was found inside a car in a park in central Seoul, South Korea. Police had previously received a report that his vehicle had gone missing. Also, his wife, actor Jeon Hye-jin, reported that he left behind something akin to a suicide note.
The news of Lee's death comes a few months after the actor made headlines for being at the center of an alleged illegal drug use investigation. He also notably filed a blackmail complaint with law enforcement, claiming to have lost thousands of dollars to the individual extorting him (via Variety). Reports have stated that fire officials pronounced him dead at the scene.
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Lee Sun-Kyun was best known for his role as the well-to-do patriarch in Parasite
Lee's entertainment journey dates back to the early 2000s. He built his name at the movies in productions such as "Scent of Love" and "Sa-kwa" and sharpened his TV acting skills via the likes of "Loveholic," "Behind the White Tower," and "Coffee Prince." As the 2000s turned to the 2010s, he starred in "My Mister," a critically acclaimed K-Drama that won a Baeksang Arts Award for best television drama and script. In 2019, the K-Drama star crossed over to the United States with 2019's "Parasite," the class drama that took the film world — and American audiences — by storm.
In "Parasite," Lee turned in a memorable performance as the rich patriarch of the Park family, Park Dong-ik, contributing notably to the movie's success. From the Cannes Film Festival to the Oscars, where the film won best picture at the 92nd Academy Awards, director Bong Joon-ho's masterpiece picked up accolades left and right. Naturally, this boosted Lee's place in the entertainment world, bringing him work like "Diary of a Prosecutor," "Dr. Brain," and "Payback." The loss of his talent will be felt on a global level for years to come. May he rest in peace.