‘Parasite’ Actor Lee Sun-kyun Found Dead Amid Drug Probe

Lee Sun-kyun, the South Korean actor best known for his role in the Oscar-winning film ‘Parasite‘, is dead.

The film star was found unconscious in a vehicle in one of Seoul’s main parks on Wednesday.

While it remains unclear if Sun-kyun committed suicide, police said they received a report that he had left home after writing a note.

According to Reuters, authorities said the actor was found dead after leaving behind what appeared to be a suicide note.

Since October, Sun-kyun faced police questioning on three occasions over accusations of illegal drug use amid a government crackdown.

Yonhap news agency reported that he was suspected of taking drugs such as marijuana and ketamine with a hostess at a bar in Seoul.

The actor had said he was “tricked” into taking drugs by the lady “trying to blackmail” him.

Lee played the character of Mr Park in the 2019 movie ‘Parasite’.

The movie won the Academy Award in 2020 in the four categories. The categories include best picture, best director, best original screenplay, and best international feature film.

The actor also featured in other blockbusters including ‘Helpless’ and ‘All About My Wife’, as well as the acclaimed 2018 TV series ‘My Mister’.

He is survived by Jeon Hye-jin, his wife and two children.