‘Parasite’ star Lee Sun-kyun requested police not to reveal line of questioning about drugs in last appearance before apparent suicide
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SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA: 'Parasite' star Lee Sun-kyun, 48, was found dead in his car on December 27, just four days after pleading with the police not to announce his last questioning session over an alleged blackmail plot.
The actor was questioned over allegations of illegal drug use. He, however, reportedly claimed that he was tricked into taking drugs by a hostess and subsequently blackmailed.
Lee Sun-kyun's plea ignored by police before apparent suicide
Lee Sun-kyun faced three public interrogations, with the last session lasting through the night. Despite his lawyer's request to close the questioning to the press, the police rejected the plea, leading to increased media coverage on the actor's private life.
According to Daily Mail, a hostess from a local bar accused him of using marijuana and other drugs at her home. Sun-kyun alleged that the hostess tricked him into taking drugs. He claimed that he had no idea what he was taking, and that she tried to blackmail him.
Sun-kyun's lawyer said on Tuesday, December 26, a day before Sun-kyun's body was found, that he hoped any future interrogation would take place behind closed doors as the actor felt 'burdened' by appearing in public.
Kim Hui-jung, the chief of the Incheon Metropolitan Police, informed during a news briefing that the entire process was justified and consented to by Lee. He expressed 'deep regret' over the actor's death and offered condolences to his family.
Kim said Lee's lawyer was present during the actor's three public interrogations, including the final one that lasted all night.
"The investigation of the deceased was conducted based on specific reports, testimony and evidence and under legally prescribed procedures," he said.
Most recently, Sun-kyun appeared before police on Christmas Eve.
He was later found dead in a car in a Seoul park after being reported missing. On Sunday morning, December 24, Lee was last seen in public after 19 hours of questioning, when police tried to hear him out completely.
The National Police Agency (NPA) commissioner general denied that unreasonable investigations caused Lee's death and pledged to review investigation practices.
South Korean government faces criticism over investigation practices
The recent death of 'Parasite' star Lee Sun-kyun has ignited criticism against the South Korean government's investigation practices and its ongoing "war on drugs" campaign. Yoon Hee-keun, the commissioner general of the National Police Agency (NPA), denied that unreasonable investigations caused the actor's death but pledged to review investigation practices.
Former South Korean President Moon Jae-in, who was a human rights lawyer before entering politics, criticized the police practice and sensational media reporting surrounding Lee's case. Moon emphasized the need to end practices that damage individuals' honor and character.
Film industry colleagues, including 'Parasite' director Bong Joon-ho and 'Squid Game' actor Lee Jung-jae, visited the memorial set up at Lee's wake, reflecting the solidarity within the entertainment industry.
The government's "war on drugs," led by President Yoon Suk Yeol, has resulted in a series of high-profile arrests, targeting business conglomerate heirs and celebrities. The tough drug laws in South Korea impose severe penalties, with up to 14 years in prison for both drug abuse and dealing.
The death of Lee Sun-kyun has sparked a broader conversation about the impact of intense public scrutiny and legal challenges on individuals, prompting calls for a re-evaluation of investigation practices and privacy protection.
