Lee Sun-kyun Cause of Death, and Obituary: What Happened to Oscar-Winning Parasite Actor?
Lee Sun-kyun, the South Korean actor who rose to international fame for his role in the Oscar-winning film Parasite, was found dead in his home on December 27, 2023. He was 48 years old. The cause of death was confirmed as suicide by carbon monoxide poisoning, according to the police. Lee had been under investigation for alleged drug use, which may have contributed to his tragic decision to end his life.
A Brilliant Career Cut Short
He was born on March 2, 1975, in Seoul, South Korea. He graduated from the Korea National University of Arts with a degree in acting. He began his career in musical theatre, starring in productions such as The Rocky Horror Show and Grease. He made his television debut in 2001, in the sitcom Lovers. He also appeared in several one-act dramas on KBS Drama City and MBC Best Theater.
Lee Sun-kyun’s breakthrough came in 2007, when he starred in the hit romantic comedy series Coffee Prince, alongside Gong Yoo and Yoon Eun-hye. He played the role of Choi Han-kyul’s cousin and rival, Choi Han-sung, a music producer who falls in love with a tomboyish girl. The series was a huge success, both in South Korea and abroad, and catapulted Lee to mainstream popularity.
Sun-kyun then established himself as a versatile and charismatic actor, taking on diverse roles in various genres. He starred in the medical drama White Tower (2007), the crime thriller Paju (2009), the arthouse films Night and Day (2008) and Oki’s Movie (2010) by Hong Sang-soo, the mystery thriller Helpless (2012), the romantic comedy All About My Wife (2012), the crime / black comedy A Hard Day (2014), and the family drama My Mister (2018). He won several awards for his performances, including a Best Actor award from the Las Palmas de Gran Canaria International Film Festival for Paju, and a nomination for an International Emmy Award for My Mister.
Lee’s most notable role, however, was in the 2019 film Parasite, directed by Bong Joon-ho. He played the role of Park Dong-ik, the wealthy and naive patriarch of the Park family, who unknowingly hires a poor and cunning family, the Kims, as their household staff. The film was a critical and commercial success, winning four Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, and Best International Feature Film. Lee and his castmates also won a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture, making history as the first Asian ensemble to do so.
Lee’s last film roles were in the horror mystery thriller Sleep (2023) and the romantic comedy Killing Romance (2023). He also had completed filming for two more films, Project Silence and Land Of Happiness, which were scheduled to be released in 2024. He was also cast in the lead role of a mystery thriller TV series, No Way Out, which began shooting in October 2023.
A Dark Cloud of Controversy
Lee’s career and reputation, however, were tarnished by a scandal that erupted in October 2023, when he was accused of illegal drug use. He was suspected of having consumed unspecified illicit substances on several occasions and at several places in southern Seoul’s Gangnam district. He was officially booked by the police on October 24, 2023, for alleged violation of the Narcotics Control Act. He denied the allegations and cooperated with the investigation, but the police said they may seek a warrant to take a sample of his hair for drug testing.
The scandal had a negative impact on Lee’s projects and endorsements. He was dropped from the drama No Way Out, and his films Project Silence and Land Of Happiness were postponed indefinitely. Several brands that had used Lee Sun-kyun and his wife, actress Jeon Hye-jin, as ambassadors or in advertisements, also removed or revised their campaigns. Lee’s fans and the public expressed shock and disappointment at the news, while some also expressed sympathy and support for him.
A Tragic End
On December 27, 2023, Sun-kyun was found dead in his home in Seoul. He had apparently committed suicide by inhaling carbon monoxide from a charcoal briquette. He left behind a note, in which he apologized to his family, friends, and fans, and expressed his regret and remorse for his actions. He also asked for forgiveness and understanding, and said he could not bear the pain and pressure anymore.
Lee’s death sent shockwaves across the entertainment industry and the society. Many celebrities and colleagues expressed their grief and condolences, and paid tribute to his talent and legacy. His fans and the public also mourned his loss, and criticized the media and the netizens for their harsh and insensitive treatment of him. Some also called for more awareness and support for mental health issues, especially among celebrities who face immense stress and scrutiny.
Lee is survived by his wife, Jeon Hye-jin, whom he married in 2009, and their two sons, aged 12 and 10. His funeral was held privately, with only his family and close friends in attendance. He was cremated and his ashes were scattered in the sea, as per his wishes.
Lee Sun-kyun was a talented and versatile actor, who left behind a rich and diverse body of work. He was also a loving husband and father, who cherished his family above all. He was a star who shone brightly, but also a human who struggled with his flaws and mistakes. He will be remembered and missed by many, who hope that he has found peace and rest in the afterlife.
