The news of the death of the South Korean star Lee Sun-kyun shook the entire world. The 'Parasite' fame actor was found dead on December 27 in Seoul at the age of 48. His unexpected passing leaves behind a profound imprint on the cinematic landscape.
Numerous South Korean news agencies have confirmed the news of his passing. The late actor, acclaimed for his talent and contributions to the Korean entertainment industry, leaves behind a legacy. Here are key insights into his life.
Personal Life
Lee Sun-kyun was born on March 2, 1975 in Seoul, South Korea. He graduated in the first ever class of the School of Drama of the Korean National University of Arts. He then went on to marry his partner of seven years, actress Jeon Hye-jin, on May 23, 2009. The couple gave birth to their first child in November 2009 and the second child was born in August 2011.
His acting trajectory included roles that transitioned from dramas to films, and even stage productions. Over the course of more than two decades, Sun-kyun contributed huge hits to the Korean entertainment industry, and won many awards that have his name carved.
Best Works
In 2001, he stepped foot into stage acting, debuting in the musical 'The Rocky Horror Show.' However, his breakthrough arrived with 'White Tower' in 2007, while the success of 'Coffee Prince' that same year became a turning point in his journey. Despite immense acclaim, he delved into arthouse films such as 'Night and Day' (2008), 'Lost in the Mountains' (2009), and 'Our Sunhi' (2013) to continue to redefine his craft. Throughout the 2010s, he made his presence known through numerous films and shows, becoming a household name.
His versatility shone through dramas like 'Pasta' (2010) and 'Golden Time' (2012), solidifying his position as a leading man. In 2012, he starred in back-to-back successful hits, 'Helpless' and 'All About My Wife,' both of which received applauses. Leading the 2014 film 'A Hard Day,' screened at the Directors' Fortnight at the 2014 Cannes Film Festival, not only earned critical acclaim but also emerged as a sleeper hit at worldwide box offices, earning him the Baeksang Arts Award for Best Actor in Films in 2015.
Globally Recognized Actor
Sun-kyu was the lead actor in the film 'Paju' (2009), for which he bagged the award of the Best Actor at the Las Palmas de Gran Canaria International Film Festival in Spain in 2010.
However, he was known worldwide through his role as Park Dong-ik in 'Parasite' (2019). His success earned him widespread recognition, and also established him internationally. His incredible performance earned him a Screen Actors Guild Award alongside the entire cast. Directed by Bong Joon-ho, this film made history as the first South Korean movie to clinch the Palme d'Or as well as secure nominations and wins at the 2020 Academy Awards, including Best Picture.
In 2021, he starred in the web-series 'Dr. Brain,' which is the first Korean show made for Apple TV+. For his performance in the show, he was nominated under the category of Best Actor at the International Emmy Awards in 2022.
Drug Trials
Last seen in the film 'Killing Romance,' the actor was taken in by officials for drug abuse investigation, causing him to withdraw from an ongoing drama production 'No Way Out.'
The actor faced police scrutiny over alleged illegal drug consumption at a high-end bar in Gangnam, Seoul. Reuters reported that he underwent three rounds of police questioning, one of which stretched for 19 hours this weekend. Sun-kyun maintained he had no knowledge of consuming an illicit drug. Despite two tests—a quick reagent test by the police and a lab-based test by the National Forensic Service—clearing him, the accusing hostess stood by her allegations and maintained her stance. Thereafter, Sun-kyun urged the police to conduct a polygraph test to identify the truth. Lee's lawyer told Yonhap, “The National Forensic Service’s drug test should have been positive if she was telling the truth, but it was negative. Lee is in a very unjust situation, so a lie detector test should be done on both of them to scientifically confirm who is lying and who is not.”
As per a report by The Guardian, the much-loved actor briefly spoke to reporters in October before his investigation. He said, "I sincerely apologise for causing great disappointment to many people by being involved in such an unpleasant incident. I feel sorry for my family, which is enduring such difficult pain at this moment."
Fans Express Outrage
After the news of his death broke out, heartbroken fans took to social media to express their sadness intensified by rage, claiming that the actor's death was because of ruthless scrutiny.
A fan wrote, “What’s crazy as is that man tested negative for drugs in like 3 rounds of investigation and they still were not letting up. And it was only marijuana and sleeping pills and he swore he didn’t know what he was taking. But all that aside none of that s**t was worth his life.”
Netizens called out the extreme bullying culture of the country. “this pissed me off so bad, sk needs to do something about its harassment and bullying culture. this is absolutely ridiculous. may he rest in peace he was so talented man…,” a user wrote.
“They harassed him over drug allegations for months..treated him like a damn criminal and this is the result...I'm devastated... he was a brilliant actor," one more netizen said.
Though his career was full of versatility and unmatched skills, the actor's unfortunate passing has left a mark in the Korean entertainment industry. After the actor's death, his agency, HODU&U Entertainment, said in a statement, "There is no way to contain the sorrow and despair....We express our deepest condolences on the deceased's final journey."
Lee Sun-kyun's funeral will take place at the funeral hall of Seoul National University Hospital.
