Prominent Korean Artists Call for Investigation Into Parasite Star Lee Sun-Kyun’s Passing
A group of prominent Korean filmmakers and arts organizers have announced they will be holding a media event in Seoul, calling for an investigation by authorities into the passing of Parasite star Lee Sun-Kyun. The actor passed away last month at the age of 48 in an apparent suicide.
Before his death, Lee had been under police investigation for several weeks over suspected illegal drug use, accusations he strenuously denied. He claimed to be the victim of a blackmail plot and stated that if he had consumed drugs, it was because he had been tricked into doing so. South Korean police reported, however, that Lee had passed several drug tests and sat for lengthy sessions of questioning, including one marathon meeting days before his death that lasted 19 hours. His lawyers told local media outlets that the actor was upset by the way police were handling the investigation and how details were being leaked to the press, damaging his career and reputation.
In response to Lee’s passing, a new organization called the Association of Solidarity Among Cultural Artists has been formed, urging the Korean media and local authorities to work together to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future. The group includes 29 prominent arts and culture groups, including the Busan International Film Festival and the Korea Entertainment Producer’s Association.
The association stated, “We have all come together under the firm conviction that no such incident should ever take place again, after facing the tragic death of actor Lee Sun-Kyun.” The group plans to hold a press conference in Seoul on Friday and will be attended by figures including Oscar-winning Parasite director Bong Joon-ho and other prominent Korean artists.
Lee’s passing has sparked an international spotlight on South Korea’s tough drug laws and discussion over mental health and the pressures faced by the country’s popular entertainers. In recent years, several high-profile stars in South Korea have died by suicide.
Dubbed “The Voice” by his fans at home for his signature baritone speaking voice, Lee was best known to Western audiences for his role in Parasite, a film that made history at the Cannes Film Festival in 2019 by winning the Palme d’Or. He was also known for his role in Apple TV+’s first Korean-language original series Dr. Brain, a sci-fi thriller.
If you or someone you know needs help, call the National Suicide Prevention hotline at 1-800-273-8255.