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Director Bong Joon Ho Calls For Investigation Into Lee Sun-Kyun Death, The 'Parasite' Star

Artists, filmmakers, and South Korean arts and culture organizations, including Bong Joon Ho calls for investigation into Lee Sun-Kyun death. Lee, whose filmography includes the Academy Award-winning Parasite, died last month at the age of 48 of an apparent suicide.

Author:Alex Mercer
Reviewer:Nathanial Blackwood
Jan 12, 2024
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Artists, filmmakers, and South Korean arts and culture organizations, including Bong Joon Ho call for investigation into Lee Sun-Kyun death. Lee, whose filmography includes the Academy Award-winning Parasite, died last month at the age of 48 of an apparent suicide.
He was being investigated at the time for alleged drug use at the residence of a hostess employed at an upscale bar in the Gangnam district of Seoul. Yonhap reported that authorities had questioned Lee on multiple occasions before his demise, including for 19 hours the weekend before. The actor claimed he was duped into using illicit substances.

Bong Joon Ho Calls For Investigation Into Lee Sun-Kyun Death

Lee Sun-Kyun wearing a black coat
Lee Sun-Kyun wearing a black coat
Several South Korean artists and arts organizations, including the director of Parasite Bong Joon-ho, have demanded an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of actor Lee Sun-kyun last month.
Lee, who portrayed the affluent father in Bong's Academy Award-winning film, died last month at the age of 48 of an evident suicide. It was reported that the actor had been questioned for 19 hours the weekend before his demise while under investigation for alleged drug use.
Lee stated that he had been duped into consuming the drugs; two womenwere referred to the prosecution by the Incheon Metropolitan Police Agency last Friday for additional investigation and possible indictment on charges of 350 million won blackmail.
According to Yonhap, although Lee was not prosecuted, the allegations tarnished his reputation as a "family man" and resulted in him ceasing or losing advertisements as well as a role in the upcoming television series No Way Out. Lee's attorneys reportedly informed local media outlets that the actor was dissatisfied with how the investigation was being conducted and reported.
Before his passing, Lee maintained a highly productive career spanning across film and television. In 2020, he was honored with a Screen ActorsGuild Award for his contributions to the Parasite ensemble. An International Emmy nomination also followed for his performance in the Apple TV+ series Dr. Brain.
The Association of Solidarity of Cultural Artists, comprised of 29 culture and arts organizations, including the Busan Film Festival, reportedly issued a statement this week urging authorities and the media to prevent future occurrences of similar fatalities (as reported by the Korea Herald). As reported by the Korea Herald, the statement read:
In the face of the tragic death of actor Lee Sun-kyun, we shared the same heart that this should never happen again. 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 Association of Solidarity of Cultural Artists
On Friday, a press conference is scheduled to take place in Seoul, featuring notable attendees including Bong, filmmaker Lee Won-tae (known for The Gangster, The Cop, The Devil), and Choi Jeong-hwa, the leader of the ProducersGuild of Korea.
Lee Sun-kyun, a critical figure in the Academy Award-winning film "Parasite," was discovered deceased in Seoul on the morning of Wednesday, December 27. He was discovered in a park unconscious in a vehicle. In recent months, Lee has been in the newsdue to an investigation into his use of illicit drugs.
He was discovered deceased inside a vehicle on December 27, according to the Yonhap news agency. His wife reported the incident to the police after discovering what seemed to be a note of suicide. Upon Lee's departure from the residence, the note was discovered by his spouse.

Final Words

On Friday, notable Korean filmmakers and arts organizers will convene a media event in Seoul to demand an investigation by authorities into the circumstances surrounding the apparent suicide death of Parasite star Lee Sun-kyun, 48, one month ago.
Lee, before his demise, had been the subject of a police investigation for some weeks regarding allegations of illicit drug use, which he vehemently refuted. The actor maintained that he had been duped into consuming drugs and that any drug use was the result of an extortion scheme. According to South Korean police, Lee reportedly passed multiple drug tests and sat through protracted interrogation sessions, including a 19-hour marathon meeting days before his death.
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Alex Mercer

Alex Mercer

Author
Alex Mercer is a seasoned author and analyst specializing in wealth research, with a keen focus on evaluating the net worth of individuals across various industries. With over a decade of experience in financial analysis and wealth assessment, Alex has developed a nuanced understanding of the factors that contribute to an individual's financial status, from investments and assets to market trends and economic policies. His work involves in-depth reviews and analyses, providing insightful observations on wealth accumulation, management strategies, and the socio-economic implications of wealth distribution. Throughout his career, Alex has become known for his ability to distill complex financial data into understandable and engaging narratives, making the subject of wealth and net worth accessible to a broad audience. His expertise is not just in numbers but in telling the stories behind them, highlighting the journeys, strategies, and decisions that lead to financial success or challenges. Alex's contributions to the field of wealth research are valuable resources for anyone looking to understand the dynamics of wealth in today's world, offering a unique perspective that bridges the gap between financial analysis and human interest.
Nathanial Blackwood

Nathanial Blackwood

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Nathanial (Nate) Blackwood is a distinguished financial journalist with a decade of experience in net worth analysis. He holds an Economics degree from the University of Finance and a Data Analysis certification, enabling him to blend thorough insights with engaging storytelling. Nate is known for making complex financial information accessible to a wide audience, earning acclaim for his precise and reader-friendly analyses. Beyond his writing, Nate is dedicated to financial literacy, actively participating in educational forums and workshops. He is the founder of PureNetWealth, a platform that demystifies the financial achievements of public figures by exploring the strategies and decisions behind their fortunes. Nate's work bridges the gap between intricate economic concepts and the general public, inspiring a deeper understanding of wealth dynamics. Follow Nathanial Blackwood for essential insights into the financial narratives shaping our world.
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