A South Korean news agency announced the death of actor Lee Sun-kyun at the age of 48 on December 27. Police found his body in a car near Waryong Park in central Seoul. The actor made his name by starring in the film Parasitedirected by Bong Joon-Ho and released in 2019. In it, he played the role of the father of a wealthy family, who gets closer, at his expense, to the poor family they employ. The film was a hit around the world, winning numerous trophies, including the Palme d’Or at Cannes.the Oscar for best film and the César for best foreign film.
When the actor’s death was announced, the police had explained that it could be compared to a suicide. This Thursday, December 28, the daily The Sun reported that Lee Sun-kyun may have died from carbon monoxide poisoning in a car. The comedian had left a note explaining his suicide at his home in Cheongdam-dong, his manager reportedly told police. Unable to reach him, the manager went to his client, found the note – in which he apologized to his family and members of his agency – and notified the police.
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Troubles with justice for Lee Sun-kyun
According to local media, an investigation has been opened to determine the exact circumstances of Lee Sun-kyun’s death. The authorities said for their part that no autopsy would be carried out in accordance with the family’s wishes. The last time the actor was seen alive was on December 23. He was going to the police station in Incheon to undergo interrogation which reportedly lasted nineteen hours. It was, in fact, the subject ofan investigation because he was suspected of having consumed marijuana and other illegal drugs this year, facts that can result in a heavy sentence in this country. Police officials revealed this Thursday, December 28 that the actor had requested, through his lawyer, that his final interrogation not be open to the pressbut the police rejected this request, reported the Korea Times. Police Chief Kim Hui-jung expressed his “deep regrets” for Lee Sun-kyun’s death and offered condolences to his family, but stressed that the interrogation was necessary to hear his side. This affair would have caused him to lose several contracts and roles. Disoriented, Lee Sun-kyun apologized just weeks before his death in a public statement : “I sincerely apologize for causing such great disappointment to many people. […] I’m sorry for my family, who are going through such difficult pain right now.”
Article written with the collaboration of 6Medias
Photo credits: Efren Landaos/Sipa USA/SIPA