In Seoul, South Korea, Oscar-winning director Bong Joon-ho and fellow artists are advocating for a comprehensive inquiry into the death of acclaimed actor Lee Sun-kyun, known for his role as the patriarch in the film “Parasite,” a satire on class divisions.
Lee, aged 48, was discovered deceased in his vehicle on December 27, amid widespread speculation of suicide following an extensive police probe into his alleged drug involvement.
During a televised news briefing, Bong and other members of the artistic community raised concerns about the repeated public summoning of Lee by the police and questioned potential leaks of investigation details to the media. They also criticized sensationalized media coverage unrelated to the drug allegations.
In a collective statement, they urged authorities to thoroughly scrutinize the handling of information in the police inquiry and highlighted the severe damage to Lee’s reputation prior to his passing, advocating for legal reforms to safeguard individuals’ rights during criminal investigations.
The police investigation focused on accusations of Lee’s drug use at a bar hostess’s residence. Lee maintained that he was deceived into consuming drugs of which he was unaware.
The inquiry triggered extensive tabloid attention and unverified online speculations about Lee’s personal life. Lee pursued legal action against two individuals, including the hostess, alleging blackmail.
“Parasite” made history by winning four Oscars, including Best Picture, in 2020. It was the first non-English-language film to secure the coveted Best Picture award, marking a milestone for South Korean cinema.
Lee, a longstanding figure in South Korean entertainment, received a nomination for Best Actor at the International Emmy Awards for his role in the sci-fi thriller “Dr. Brain” in the preceding year.
South Korea, known for its stringent anti-drug legislation, also grapples with high suicide rates compared to other developed nations. The country has witnessed several celebrity suicides, including K-pop stars, politicians, and business figures, often attributed to online harassment and cyberbullying.
