The world of cinema is in mourning today as reports of the tragic news of the death of South Korean actor Lee Sun-kyun1floods tabloids.
Known internationally for his role in the Oscar-winning film “Parasite”, Lee was found dead in his car on December 27, 2023. Initial investigations suggest that the actor died by suicide.
Born on March 2, 1975, in Seoul, South Korea, Lee Sun-kyun began his career in musical theatre.
He made his television debut in the sitcom Lovers and his stage acting debut as Brad Majors in the stage musical “The Rocky Horror Show”. However, it was his role in the TV series “Coffee Prince” in 2007 that brought him mainstream popularity.
Lee’s filmography is diverse, ranging from thrillers like “Helpless” (2012) to romantic comedies like “All About My Wife” (2012), and crime/black comedies like “A Hard Day” (2014). He also collaborated with auteur Hong Sang-soo on several arthouse film.
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However, it was his role in Bong Joon-ho’s “Parasite” that catapulted him to international fame. The film won the Palme d’Or at the 2019 Cannes Film Festival and four Academy Awards, including Best Picture. Lee’s performance was lauded, and he won a Screen Actors Guild Award along with his castmates.
At the time of his death, Lee was being investigated as part of a drug and blackmail scandal. He had been dropped from several projects, and there were allegations of drug consumption. The circumstances surrounding his death have sparked sadness on social media.
Lee Sun-kyun’s death is a significant loss to the film industry. His performances, marked by their depth and versatility, have left an indelible mark on cinema. As fans and fellow actors mourn his untimely demise, many remember Lee for his immense contribution to the world of film and television.