South Korean actor Lee Sun-kyun, known globally for his role in the Academy Award-winning film “Parasite,” has passed away under tragic circumstances, according to an announcement by South Korea’s emergency office on Wednesday, December 27, 2023. The beloved actor was found deceased in a car located in a central Seoul park, delivering a somber conclusion to an urgent search initiated earlier in the day.
The unsettling series of events began when Lee Sun-kyun was discovered unconscious at an unspecified location in Seoul. In a distressing turn, police were called into action after South Korean media, including the influential Yonhap news agency, reported that the actor’s family had alerted authorities concerning his disappearance. It was later revealed that Lee had left his residence after penning a letter that bore a worrying resemblance to a suicide note.
In a sorrowful development, the intensive search resulted in the discovery of Lee in a vehicle stationed at a Seoul park, the Yonhap news agency detailed, citing law enforcement sources. They confirmed that Lee had indeed passed away subsequent to the discovery. Adding to the scene’s melancholy, reports noted that a charcoal briquette was found inside the passenger seat of the car, an item often associated with suicide in South Korea.
Lee Sun-kyun was revered for his compelling portrayal as the patriarch of an affluent family in the critically acclaimed film “Parasite,” which made history by securing the Best Picture award at the Oscars in 2020. His exceptional performance in “Parasite” won him and the ensemble cast a Screen Actors Guild Award for outstanding performance by a cast in a motion picture.
Beyond that, last year he was nominated for the Best Actor at the International Emmy Awards for his riveting work in the sci-fi thriller “Dr. Brain.” Before captivating international audiences with “Parasite,” Lee had long been a celebrated figure in South Korea’s entertainment industry. He initially rose to fame through the popular drama series “Coffee Prince” (2007), and his reputation continued to flourish with roles in the medical drama “Behind The White Tower,” romantic comedy-drama “Pasta” (2010), and the poignant drama series “My Mister” (2018).
The sudden and tragic departure of Lee Sun-kyun is felt deeply throughout South Korea and beyond, as fans and colleagues mourn the loss of an extraordinarily talented actor whose performances transcended cultural boundaries and left an indelible mark on world cinema. Lee’s unexpected death has sent shockwaves across the celebrity landscape, and tributes for the fallen star are pouring in from all corners of the globe. His talent, passion, and contributions to the art of filmmaking will be remembered and cherished for many years to come.
