The 48-year-old actor was discovered deceased due to carbon monoxide poisoning in a car at a central Seoul park on Wednesday, according to reports. Police found him unconscious in the car after his wife had reported that he had left home, and she discovered what seemed to be a suicide note, as reported by the South Korean news agency Yonhap.
Lee’s agency, HODU&U Entertainment, stated, “There is no way to contain the sorrow and despair. We respectfully ask that you refrain from spreading false facts based on speculation… so that [Lee’s] final journey will not be unfair.”
The actor had been under police investigation for his alleged use of marijuana and other psychoactive drugs. He was even removed from “No Way Out,” a mystery TV series that began shooting in October. Despite negative drug test results and inconclusive outcomes, the constant media scrutiny and headlines persisted.
In late October, he briefly spoke to reporters before entering an Incheon police station to meet with investigators. “I sincerely apologize for causing great disappointment to many people by being involved in such an unpleasant incident,” he said at the time, adding, “I feel sorry for my family, which is enduring such difficult pain at this moment.”
In a career spanning over two decades, Lee Sun Kyun became a household name in 2010, starring in several dramas and films. He began his career in musical theatre and gained recognition with the medical dramas “White Tower,” “Coffee Prince,” and “Pasta.” He received honours for his role in the 2009 film “Paju” and was praised for his performances in the mystery thriller “Helpless” and “All About My Wife.” A strong supporter of indie and art house cinema, Lee was admired for his versatility.
In 2018, he returned to TV with the critically acclaimed series “My Mister,” playing the empathetic office worker Dong Hoon, who becomes the best friend to a depressed young woman played by IU. He gained international fame for his role as the affluent Mr Park in director Bong Joon Ho’s Academy Award-winning film “Parasite.”
The actor’s recent projects included the sci-fi drama “Dr. Brain,” the film “Killing Romance,” and the thriller “Payback,” which aired earlier this year.
Lee is survived by his wife, actor Jeon Hye-jin, and two children.
