From left to right: Choi Woo-shik, Cho Yeo-jeong, Lee Jung-eun, Park So-dam, Lee Sun-kyun and Song Kang-ho.

‘Parasite’ Actor Lee Sun Kyun Found Dead — Apparent Suicide

Parasite actor Lee Sun-kyun found dead.
NewsInStar / Wikimedia Commons

South Korean actor known for his role in the Academy Award-winning film “Parasite,” Lee Sun-kyun, 48, was found dead on Wednesday, Dec. 27. Lee’s body was found in his car.

Authorities said the cause of death is “presumed to be suicide.” 

Seoul police said they had received a missing person report from Lee’s manager through their hotline. According to CNN’s report, Incheon authorities confirmed that the actor had been questioned three times since October due to an ongoing investigation of alleged drug use.

Authorities summoned Lee on Dec. 23 and held him for 19 hours before releasing him the following day.

Lee’s drug tests showed he was negative for using the substances. Incheon authorities did not specify how many tests he had taken.

During the investigation, the actor claimed he was deceived into using drugs and subsequently blackmailed by the same individual. The actor filed a lawsuit against the alleged blackmailer, and authorities added they had received a tip about his alleged drug use before he decided to file a lawsuit.