Oscar-Winning Director Calls For Investigation Into Actor’s Death
South Korean actors, artists, and filmmakers are calling for an investigation into the death of actor Lee Sun-kyun. Director Bong Joon-ho, who won an Academy Award for the film Parasite, is leading the charge alongside the head of the Producers Guild of Korea, Choi Jeong-hwa, singer-songwriter Yoon Jong-shin, director Lee Won-tae, and actor Choi Deok-moon.
“In the face of the tragic death of actor Lee Sun-kyun, we shared the same heart that this should never happen again.”
Statement from The Association of Solidarity of Cultural Artists on Lee Sun-kyun’s death
The Association of Solidarity of Cultural Artists, a recently established coalition comprising 29 cultural and arts groups, including the Busan Film Festival and the Korea Entertainment Producer’s Association, issued a statement on January 9, calling for the authorities and media to take measures preventing other actors like Lee Sun-kyun from meeting the same tragic end.
“In the face of the tragic death of actor Lee Sun-kyun, we shared the same heart that this should never happen again,” the statement said. “We will call for investigation officials’ probe to discover the truth, request media outlets to delete articles that do not fit their function as media, as well as urge authorities, to revise the law to protect the human rights of artists.”
The police officially closed the investigation into his death, ruling it a suicide by carbon monoxide poisoning.
Lee Sun-kyun was found dead on December 27, 2023. The body of the 48-year-old actor was discovered inside a parked car near Waryong Park in northern Jongno-gu, Seoul. This tragic event occurred shortly after the completion of the third and extensive 19-hour round of police questioning regarding suspicions of illegal drug use.
Throughout the investigation, Lee Sun-kyun maintained his innocence and even requested a lie detector test. Since October, the actor had been the subject of a police inquiry related to allegations of using illicit drugs at the residence of a hostess employed at a high-end bar in Gangnam, southern Seoul. The police officially closed the investigation into his death, ruling it a suicide by carbon monoxide poisoning.
Born on March 2, 1975, in Seoul, South Korea, Lee Sun-kyun made his acting debut in the late 1990s. Over the years, he has become known for his ability to portray a wide range of characters, from comedic roles to intense and dramatic ones. Some of his most notable works include the 2010 romantic comedy television series Pasta, in which he played the role of a chef.
Lee Sun-kyun also appeared as a supporting character in the 2007 romantic series Coffee Prince. In 2018, he delivered a powerful performance in this critically acclaimed drama My Mister, portraying a character going through personal and professional struggles. In 2014, he starred in the crime thriller A Hard Day, showcasing his skills in a more intense and suspenseful genre.
“We will call for investigation officials’ probe to discover the truth, request media outlets to delete articles that do not fit their function as media, as well as urge authorities, to revise the law to protect the human rights of artists.”
Statement from The Association of Solidarity of Cultural Artists on Lee Sun-kyun’s death
In 2019, Lee Sun-kyun gained international acclaim for his role as the father in Bong Joon-ho’s Oscar-winning film Parasite. The story follows the Kim family, living in a cramped basement apartment, who con their way into the lives of the wealthy Park family. The film won the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival and went on to make history at the Academy Awards.
Parasite won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, and Best International Feature Film. The film has been widely praised for its storytelling, cinematography, and social commentary. Away from the entertainment industry, Lee Sun-kyun was a graduate of Korea National University of Arts.
Lee Sun-kyun is survived by his wife, Jeon Hye-jin, and two sons. The Association of Solidarity of Cultural Artists plans to hold a press conference regarding his death on January 12 in Seoul, South Korea.
Source: The Korea Herald
