‘Tragic’: Fans devastated after ‘Parasite’ star Lee Sun-kyun, 48, is found dead in car amid drug trial

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA: In a heartbreaking development for the K-drama industry, news surfaced on Wednesday, December 27, through Yonhap news agency that Lee Sun-kyun, the actor from the Oscar-winning movie 'Parasite,' has died at the age of 48.

The cause of death is suspected to be suicide, as reported by the police. This tragic incident unfolded just one day after the actor was subjected to an investigation regarding allegations of drug misuse.

According to Reuters, Lee had become embroiled in an ongoing government crackdown on illegal drugs.

Lee Sun-kyun found dead in a car

As reported by Yonhap, Lee was found dead inside a car at a park in Seoul on Wednesday morning. Charcoal briquettes were found inside the car.

This came after Lee's family reported to the police that he had left home, leaving behind what seemed to be a suicide note. Police were searching for Lee when they found a man in his 40s in a car at a park. Police later identified him as Lee.

According to Yonhap, Lee underwent three rounds of police questioning, totaling over 19 hours. The inquiries revolved around suspicions of his involvement with marijuana and other illicit substances.

Allegedly, these activities took place at the residence of a hostess employed at a high-end bar in Seoul's Gangnam district, occurring multiple times since the beginning of the year, including last Saturday.

Lee has maintained his innocence, asserting that he was deceived by the hostess into consuming the drugs and was unaware of their nature.

Notably, Lee tested negative in both the brief reagent test conducted during police investigations and the lab-based drug test conducted by the National Forensic Service last month.

It's worth noting that South Korea enforces stringent drug laws, with penalties ranging from a minimum of six months in prison to up to 14 years for repeat offenders and dealers.

Born in 1975, Lee took on the role of a wealthy family's head in the film 'Parasite'. He has also played pivotal roles in various South Korean movies.

Some notable works include the 2012 thriller 'Helpless' and the 2014 film 'All About My Wife.' Additionally, he garnered acclaim as the male lead in the highly praised K-drama 'My Mister'.

Fans left heartbroken over Lee Sun-kyun's death

Heartbroken fans expressed their grief on the platform 'X' as they mourned the death of the actor.

A user applauded the performance that Lee gave in 'Parasite' and wrote, "Lee Sun-kyun’s amazing and chilling performance in Parasite will always be remembered and one of the best of all time may he rest in peace =(."

A user shared a clip of Lee from the K-drama 'My Mister' and wrote, "My mister will always be my favorite k-drama. Rest in peace Lee Sun-kyun."

A fan posted, "Rest in peace to Lee Sun-kyun I hope you’re in a happier place."

A fan wrote, "This is just so tragic... May he rest in peace...Prayers for his family..."

A fan talked about the acting skills of Lee and wrote, "Lee Sun-kyun was a versatile actor. He did not need to wear bunch of makeups or crazy wigs to portray wide range of emotions. Parasite and My Mister are some of the finest works this South Korean actor, or any SouKor actors, has ever done. RIP."