Parasite star found dead in blackmail and drug scandal
Lee Sun-kyun, star of Oscar-winning film, said he had been tricked into taking ketamine
ACTOR Lee Sun-kyun, best known for his role in the Oscar-winning South Korean film Parasite, was found dead yesterday after apparently taking his own life.
The 48-year-old was discovered unconscious in a car in one of Seoul’s main parks. He was under investigation for alleged drug use and had been questioned by police three times.
The actor had said he was tricked into taking drugs by a bar hostess who was trying to blackmail him, South Korea’s Yonhap news agency reported.
Lee’s death sparked an immediate backlash from fellow actors and fans, some of whom said it was the latest instance of a South Korean artist being “shamed to their grave”.
Police said they found Lee during a search which was triggered by a report that he had left home after writing what appeared to be a suicide note.
Infringements of South Korea’s tough drug laws can lead to six months in jail or up to 14 years for repeat offenders and dealers.
Lee, who was married to actress Jeon Hye-jin and had two young sons with her, had been accused of using marijuana and ketamine with a hostess at a bar in Seoul’s Gangnam district and at her house. The investigation prompted extensive tabloid press coverage.
He insisted that he did not knowingly use illicit substances, though he admitted to taking what the hostess had given him, according to Yonhap.
The woman was arrested last month after Lee filed a complaint against her and another individual, accusing them of blackmailing him.
Police have reportedly sought an arrest warrant for the other individual.
Lee was last seen in public on Sunday morning as he returned home from 19 hours of police questioning over his alleged drug use. He was previously interrogated on Oct 28 and Nov 4 and had reportedly requested, through his lawyer, to take a lie detector test.
“I feel like it is a bit too late but I’ve finished the questioning by the police about the blackmail case,” the actor told reporters as he left the Incheon Metropolitan Police Department, about 18 miles west of Seoul, the capital. “I hope the police wisely determine which statements are more reliable between mine and the blackmailers,” he added.
His lawyer said Lee was feeling “burdened” by the investigation, which reportedly saw multiple drug tests return negative or inconclusive results.
The hostess had allegedly told police that the actor used drugs at her home multiple times.
Police said they regretted that Lee had died amid their investigation but the inquiry had been “conducted with [his] consent”, local media reported.
South Korea has long had the highest suicide rate among developed countries and has experienced a string of celebrity suicides involving K-pop stars, prominent politicians and business executives.
Lee’s agency, HODU&U Entertainment, said there was “no way to contain the sorrow and despair” over his death.
“We respectfully ask that you refrain from spreading false facts based on speculation ... so that [Lee’s] final journey will not be unfair,” it said in a statement.