Lee Sun-kyun, best known for his role in Parasite has died at the age of 48. Per The New York Times, Lee, who played wealthy patriarch Park Dong-ik in the 2019 film, was found dead in a parked car just before 11 a.m. in Seoul on Wednesday, December 27.
The award-winning South Korean actor had recently been under police investigation on suspicion of illegal drug usage and was reported missing by his manager earlier in the day. The police – who found Lee via his phone’s location signal – are currently investigating the death as a suicide. South Korean media outlets report that Lee left what seemed to be a suicide note at home. NPR reports a “charcoal briquette” was found on the passenger seat of the vehicle, potentially indicative of death by carbon monoxide poisoning.
Before his global success in Parasite, Lee saw immense adoration for his roles in a bevy of Korean films, starring in titles including Coffee Prince, Pasta, Helpless and My Mister. Post-Parasite, which landed a run of coveted awards that 2019 award’s season, he was cast in AppleTV+’s first Korean-language show, sci-fi thriller Dr. Brain, for which he was nominated for Best Actor at the Emmy’s.
Since October, Lee had been under investigation for suspected use of marijuana among other illegal substances; South Korea has staunchly strict drug laws, which have only grown more so in recent years. Incheon Police indicate that Lee’s drug tests came back negative, and he denied knowingly using drugs, deeming a bar employee blackmailed him.
Lee is survived by his wife, two sons and siblings. Per his talent agency Hodu&U Entertainment, the funeral will be private and family/colleagues-only.
