Foreign Media Highlight "Lee Sun-kyun, Noted for Wide Acting Spectrum"... Also Spotlight Investigation Controversy

"Praised for Various Roles Including Chef and Neuroscientist"
"Explaining South Korea's Strict Drug Laws"

Overseas media outlets also expressed condolences following the news of actor Lee Sun-kyun's (48) death, who was under police investigation for drug use allegations.

On the 27th (local time), major foreign media such as BBC, CNN, and AP reported, citing Korean police authorities and domestic media, that Lee was found dead in a park in Seoul. The foreign media introduced Lee as an actor who gained attention for his wide acting spectrum in various works, including his representative work 'Parasite.'

The news of the death of actor Lee Seon-gyun (48), who died while under police investigation for drug use allegations, was also reported by overseas media, expressing condolences.
[Photo by Asia Economy DB]

First, the BBC published an article titled "Actor Lee Sun-kyun of the movie 'Parasite' found dead," stating, "Lee Sun-kyun, well known for the Academy Award-winning film 'Parasite,' was found dead," and pointed out, "There has been much attention on the drug use investigation, during which Lee's reputation was severely damaged."

The Washington Post reported that Lee debuted in 1999 and appeared in many Korean films and TV series, later receiving worldwide acclaim for 'Parasite,' and was also nominated for Best Actor at the International Emmy Awards for his role in 'Dr. Brain.' CNN also reported that Lee, who played the wealthy father in 'Parasite,' died at age 48, and that the funeral will be quietly held with family and colleagues in attendance.

AP explained that Lee was well known to the public for playing the wealthy patriarch in director Bong Joon-ho's 'Parasite,' and had previously gained popularity through Korean hit dramas such as 'Coffee Prince' (2007), 'White Tower' (2007), 'Pasta' (2010), and 'My Mister' (2018).

Detailed Coverage of Controversy Following Drug Use Allegations

AP also explained that Lee played the role of the wealthy head of the family in director Bong Joon-ho's "Parasite," making him well known to the public. Prior to that, he gained popularity through popular Korean dramas such as "Coffee Prince" (2007), "White Tower" (2007), "Pasta" (2010), and "My Mister" (2018).
[Photo by AP website]

Following the condolences, foreign media also covered in detail the controversies that arose after Lee's drug use allegations surfaced in October.

The Guardian, citing Yonhap News, reported that Lee underwent police investigations three times, including a 19-hour session last weekend, and that Lee claimed he was tricked into taking drugs by a female employee at an entertainment establishment who was trying to blackmail him. The Telegraph explained that Lee maintained his innocence and requested a polygraph test from the police, and that both the police's preliminary drug test and the National Forensic Service's detailed analysis returned negative results.

BBC explained that drug-related crimes, including marijuana smoking, are regarded as serious offenses in Korea, with marijuana use punishable by up to five years in prison, and noted that Lee had withdrawn from the mystery TV series 'No Way Out' in October due to the drug investigation. Lee was cast as Baek Joong-sik, a police officer who must protect a notorious criminal from citizens seeking a bounty, and was filming the series at the time.

Reuters also reported in detail, quoting a fire department official, that "investigators found Lee's body during a search after receiving a missing person report," and that "there was a report from his manager that Lee left home after leaving a suicide note." It added, "Violations of drug-related laws in Korea can result in a prison sentence of six months, and habitual drug offenders or dealers can face up to 14 years in prison."

The Washington Post stated that Korea's drug policies are among the strictest in the world, and that Korean citizens can be prosecuted even if they use illegal drugs overseas. AFP explained that Korea's drug laws are very strict, and even if drugs like marijuana are legally obtained abroad, bringing them into the country can lead to prosecution upon return.

Finally, foreign media reported that Lee's grieving fans are mourning his death through social networking services (SNS). In particular, BBC and AFP conveyed fans' tribute comments on SNS such as, "I laughed and cried a lot watching your acting. Thank you," "It's hard to imagine how much he must have suffered. Rest in peace," "Aren't celebrities human too? People can make mistakes in life," and "So sad."

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