Who was Parasite actor Lee Sun-Kyun?

IN DECEMBER 2023, actor Lee Sun-Kyun was found dead aged 48.

Here we take a look at what happened to Lee Sun-Kyun and the family he leaves behind.

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Who was Lee Sun-Kyun?

Lee Sun-Kyun, 48, was a South Korean actor.

He was best known for his role in the Oscar-winning film Parasite.

Sun-Kyun played Dong Ik in the hit film, which won the 2020 Oscar for Best Picture.

The actor also won a 2021 Screen Actors Guild award for Parasite in the Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture category.

What happened to Lee Sun-Kyun?

On December 27, 2023, it was reported that Lee Sun-Kyun had been found dead inside a car at a park in Seoul.

A man in his 40s was discovered unconscious in a car in Seoul, South Korea, according to The Korea Times.

Police later identified the unconscious man as Sun-Kyun.

Earlier in the day, police received a report from the actor's wife that a suicide note was found at his home and they began to search for him.

At the time of his death, Sun-Kyun was being investigated for suspected drug use.

The actor was accused of using illegal drugs at the home of a high-end bar hostess multiple times since the beginning of 2023.

Sun-Kyun claimed that the hostess tricked him into doing the drugs, according to The Korea Times.

According to the outlet, he tested negative for drugs in two previous tests.

Prior to his death, the actor went through three rounds of police questioning, including one session that lasted 19 hours.

Drug laws in South Korea are strict, with the typical punishment lasting anywhere from six months to 14 years for repeat offenders.

Following his death, fans have paid tribute to the actor.

One wrote: ''Awful news. Lee Sun-kyun was one of the best actors working in Korean cinema.''

Meanwhile, a second said: ''Lee Sun-kyun was such a great talent in everything I’ve seen him in, but I can’t even think up any tribute because all I can think of is the tragic and heartbreaking circumstances leading up to his death and how this road is such a common story you hear from the industry.''

What has Lee Sun-Kyun starred in?

In addition to the award-winning title Parasite, Sun-Kyun was known for his work in the 2014 action film A Hard Day and the 2009 drama Paju.

He also starred in 12 episodes of the 2023 crime series Payback, playing the main character Eun Yong.

Was Lee Sun-Kyun married and did he have any children?

Lee Sun-Kyun was married to fellow actress Jeon Hye-Jin.

The couple wed in 2009.

As well as his wife, the late actor is survived by their two children.