Lee Sun-kyun, the acclaimed South Korean actor best known for his role in the Oscar-winning film 'Parasite,' has died at the age of 48 in central Seoul, in what appears to be a suicide, according to AFP. Lee's wife informed the police that the actor had left home, and she discovered what seemed to be a suicide note.
Here are five key points about the late actor:
Early Life and Education:
- Lee Sun-kyun was born in Seoul, South Korea, in 1975. He pursued his education at the Korean National University of Arts.
Career Highlights:
- The actor gained widespread recognition for his performance in the medical drama 'White Tower' (2007) and achieved fame for starring in 'Coffee Prince' (2007).
- Lee Sun-kyun appeared in various films and television shows, becoming a household name in the 2010s. Notable works include 'Behind The White Tower,' 'Pasta' (2010), and 'My Mister' (2018).
Breakthrough Role in 'Parasite':
- Lee is most prominently recognized for his role as Park Dong-ik, the father of the wealthy family in the critically acclaimed and Oscar-winning film 'Parasite' (2019). The movie received widespread acclaim, and Lee, along with the cast, was honored with a Screen Actors Guild Award.
Controversy and Investigation:
- The actor had been under police investigation for alleged use of marijuana and other psychoactive drugs. The investigation had a damaging impact on his reputation, leading to his removal from 'No Way Out,' a mystery TV series that commenced shooting in October, according to the BBC.
Survived by Family:
- Lee Sun-kyun is survived by his wife and two children. The actor's untimely death has left the entertainment industry and fans mourning the loss of a talented and respected artist.
The news of Lee Sun-kyun's passing has saddened fans and colleagues, marking the end of a career that contributed significantly to the South Korean entertainment scene.