Lee Sun Kyun – best known for his 2019 role in the Oscar-winning film “Parasite” – died by suicide while under investigation for illegal drug use.
The South Korean actor was found dead in his car in the capital Seoul on Wednesday after Lee’s manager reported him missing to police, according to CNN.
Seoul officials told the network that Lee’s death was “suspected to be a suicide” as forensic investigators put up police tape where Lee’s car was discovered.
Police in Incheon, a city on the border with Seoul, have questioned Lee three times during the criminal investigation into his possible drug use.
Lee admitted to using drugs, but claimed he was tricked into using them and blackmailed, eventually suing the blackmailer. Police were reportedly tipped off about Lee’s drug use just before he filed the lawsuit.
As part of the police investigation, Lee was repeatedly tested for drugs, but the results were always negative, according to CNN.
Officers last questioned Lee on December 23 and held him for 19 hours before releasing him.
Two suspects – a man and a woman – have been arrested in connection with the drug investigation.
On Tuesday – the day before Lee was found dead – he requested through his lawyer that the police take a polygraph test on him and the two arrested persons. It is not clear whether the three were given the polygraph exam.
In the comedy thriller ‘Parasite’, Lee starred as Park Dong-ik – the father of a wealthy family who was targeted by a needy clan of schemers who infiltrated their household. The film took home four Oscars at the 2020 Academy Awards, including Best Picture.
Lee was 48.
REST IN PEACE
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