Parasite actor, Lee Sun Kyun was discovered by the police in an unconscious state in his car. He was best known for his role in the Oscar-winning film Parasite. Drug laws in South Korea sparked strong reactions online as Parasite’ actor Lee Sun-kyun was found dead due to an ongoing drug trial since October. Many speculate that his suicide was a direct reaction of the pressure and bullying which arose out of the drug trial.
Table of Contents
The 48-year-old Parasite actor was found unconscious in a car in one of Seoul’s most well-known parks on Wednesday. Police said they got a report that Lee had left home after penning a message, though it is unclear if he committed suicide. In October, he was the subject of an investigation due to his suspected drug use.
Rise to fame of the Parasite actor
In the film Parasite, Lee portrayed the patriarch of the affluent Park family, which is penetrated by members of a low-income family who pose as strangers. Through the oscar win the parasite actor gained world wide popularity but sometimes the same popularity can backfire.
About his trial
According to the Yonhap news agency, he was allegedly caught using ketamine and marijuana with a hostess at a Seoul club. Despite accepting what she provided him, he claimed not to have realised the pills were illegal.
He denied using drugs at her place, even though the hostess allegedly told the police that he had done so multiple times. He’d previously wanted to have a lie detector test administered by his lawyer.
The story also mentioned that his drug test results were either ambiguous or negative.
According to News1 Korea, police expressed their grief that the Parasite actor passed away while inquiries were ongoing, but they said that the investigation had been “conducted with [his] consent”. Lee was questioned three times, the first round occurring last Saturday.
Drug laws in South Korea
South Korea has exceptionally strict drug laws, and even Koreans who use marijuana legally abroad face imprisonment when they return home.
President Yoon Suk Yeol declared last year that the country was no longer “drug-free” and called for more steps to combat drug traffickers.
His demise provoked significant emotions online.
He is survived by his wife, actress Jeon Hye-jin, and two boys.
