Actor Lee Sun-kyun of South Korea, who won an Oscar for his performance in the movie “Parasite,” was discovered dead on Wednesday, according to authorities. 48 was his age.
According to a Seongbuk police station officer who spoke to AFP, the actor was discovered inside a car that was parked on the street in Seoul’s mid-northern Seongbuk neighborhood.
“We believe his body has now been transferred to the Seoul National University Hospital,” he added.
South Korea’s Yonhap news agency reported, citing police, that Lee had left a “note that reads like a will”.
Lee had been under police investigation over his alleged use of marijuana and other drugs.
Following the controversy, local news sites stated that the actor was being eliminated from television and commercial productions, despite once being praised for his wholesome image.
Lee, who attended the esteemed Korea National University of Arts in South Korea, debuted as an actor in the sitcom “Lovers” on television in 2001.
Later on, he gained recognition for his portrayals of a range of characters, such as an endearing chef and a brilliant neuroscientist devoid of humanity.
Lee’s portrayal of a conscientious architectural engineer in the 2018 TV drama series “My Mister” won him great critical acclaim. Despite going through personal hardship, Lee stubbornly preserved his sense of responsibility as an adult and a professional.
He gained international recognition for his performance as the affluent and superficial father in Bong Joon-ho’s 2019 Oscar-winning picture “Parasite.”
In addition, he received recognition for his roles in romantic comedies including the 2012 picture All About My Wife and the 2007 TV drama Coffee Prince.
His most recent picture, the horror thriller “Sleep” this year, in which he portrayed a spouse whose sleepwalking finally results in horrifying situations, was well-received and screened during Cannes’ Critics’ Week.
Devastated fans expressed their grief on social media, with one user writing on X: “I laughed and cried a lot while watching your acting. Thank you.”
Renowned Korean-American writer Min Jin Lee joined others in expressing their condolences.
“Lee was praiseworthy in ‘Parasite’ and exceptional in ‘My Mister,’” she wrote on Instagram.
“May he be remembered for his excellent work and creative gifts.”
‘Great disappointment’
When South Korean authorities opened an inquiry into Lee’s alleged drug use in October, Lee’s reputation took a serious hit.
He was accused of consuming illegal substances at the home of a hostess who worked at a posh bar in Seoul’s glitzy Gangnam neighborhood.
Yonhap reported that the actor claimed he was “tricked” into taking the narcotics by the hostess and was not aware that they were unlawful.
He went to his third police investigation session, which lasted 19 hours, on December 23 and 24, according to Yonhap.
In late October, he gave a quick interview to the media before going into an Incheon police station to meet with detectives.
“I sincerely apologise for causing great disappointment to many people by being involved in such an unpleasant incident,” he said at the time.
“I feel sorry for my family, which is enduring such difficult pain at this moment.
“Once again, I sincerely apologise to everyone.”
South Korea has very strict rules regarding illegal substances; Koreans who legitimately use narcotics overseas, such marijuana, run the danger of being prosecuted when they return home.
Lee is survived by his wife, actress Jeon Hye-jin and two sons.