Lee Sun-kyun, born in 1975, gained fame in Korean cinema with his standout role in Parasite, earning international acclaim.
The actor played Park Dong-ik in Parasite, contributing to the film's Oscar triumph and winning a Screen Actors Guild award.
Beyond Parasite, Lee's career included projects like Payback, Diary of a Prosecutor, and the Apple TV Plus series Dr. Brain, showcasing his versatility.
His final film, Sleep, a horror drama featured at the Cannes Film Festival, added to his list of critically acclaimed works.
Lee Sun-kyun was found dead in a car at a Seoul park, prompting investigations into the circumstances surrounding his death.
His wife's distress call to the police, citing a message resembling a suicide note, initiated the search for the actor.
Lee Sun-kyun was under police investigation for alleged illegal drug use, particularly at the house of a high-end bar hostess in Seoul.
The actor endured a 19-hour police interrogation, emphasizing the severity and complexity of the ongoing investigation.
Lee asserted being blackmailed by another party involved in the case, highlighting a twist in the unfolding controversy.
Despite accusations, Lee tested negative in two drug tests, raising questions about the validity of the allegations.
In a bid to prove his innocence, Lee requested a polygraph test, urging a scientific approach to determine truthfulness.
South Korea's strict drug laws add a layer of complexity to the case, with potential legal consequences for the actor.
Lee Sun-kyun expressed regret and apologized for the distress caused in a statement to reporters before the investigation.
After his death, Lee's family, represented by HODU&U Entertainment, pleaded for accuracy in media coverage to honor his final journey.
While regretting Lee's death during the investigation, the police clarified that the inquiry was conducted with his consent, providing context to the unfolding events.