Korean stars mourned and honored Oscar winning movie “Parasite” actor Lee Sun-kyun who was found dead on Dec. 27.
Lee Sun-kyun (이선균), 48, who also starred in the drama “Coffee Prince,” was found dead in his car parked near Waryong Park in Jongno, Seoul at about 10:30 a.m. KST.
Korean actor Lee Sun-kyun's photo at the Seoul National University Hospital funeral hall (Screenshot from TenAsia's YouTube account)
Korean actor Lee Sun-kyun (Instagram)
Korean actor Lee Sun-kyun's car on Dec. 27 (Screenshot from YTN video on YouTube)
He died in an apparent suicide with charcoal briquette found in the front passenger seat, Korean news outlet Yonhap News reported. Burning charcoal briquette in an enclosed space can cause carbon monoxide poisoning and death.
Before his death, Lee Sun-kyun was being investigated by Korean police since October for illegal drug use.
Last Dec. 23, he underwent 19 hours of questioning by the police, which lasted until the morning of Dec. 24. He was suspected of using marijuana and psychotropic drugs at the home of a hostess of an entertainment bar in Gangnam. .
Lee Sun-kyun had been under a lot of pressure since the police investigation started in October. He tested negative for illegal drugs through a simple test and thorough test by Korea’s National Forensic Service.
Actress Claudia Kim of the Netflix series “Gyeongseong Creature” and the film “Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald,” said she was shocked about the news of the actor’s death.
Korean actress Claudia Kim and her Instagram post (Instagram)
Korean actor Lee Ji-hoon (Instagram)
“So shocked and heartbroken to hear the news. Everyone deserves to be forgiven for their mistakes. Everyone deserves a second chance,” she posted on her Instagram story.
She added, “What a loss of great talent it is for the Korean entertainment industry.. Sending prayers to his family and close friends.. Rest in Peace.”
Lee Sun-kyun's agency, Hodu&U Entertainment, announced, “"We are sorry to deliver unfortunate news. Actor Lee Sun-kyun has passed away. There is no way to contain our sorrow and devastation. The funeral will be held quietly with the bereaved family and colleagues in attendance."
Lee Ji-hoon posted on Instagram, "It's messy and scary, the words of people who haven't experienced it or been there. Is it really fair or equal? News, YouTube, exaggerated rumors, who evaluates whom, and are they living well without a single bit of shame?"
Lee Sun-kyun with singer IU (JTBC)
Lee Sun-kyun in "Miss Korea" (tvN)
Others who commemorated Lee Sun-kyun are actor Lee Ji-hon, 'Pachinko' writer Lee Min-Jang Sung-kyu, Jeong Ga-eun, Cool’s Yuri, and lyricist Kim Ea-na.
His funeral service is being held at Room 1 of the Seoul National University Hospital funeral hall in Jongno, Seoul. His funeral will be held on Dec. 29. The burial site will be in Buan County in Jeollabuk province.
Lee Sun-kyun is survived by his wife, actress eon Hye-jin, and two sons.