Director Bong Joon-ho calls for investigation into 'Parasite' actor Lee Sun-kyun's death
"Parasite" director Bong Joon-ho is calling for an investigation into Lee Sun-kyun's death.
In a nationally televised news conference on Friday, Bong joined other artists, writers, performers and producers to question why police repeatedly summoned Lee in the presence of TV cameras and whether they had inappropriately leaked information about the investigation to media. They also questioned whether media outlets had overly sensationalized reports about Lee's private life that were unrelated to the drug investigation.
USA TODAY has reached out to Joon-ho's rep for comment.
"In the face of the tragic death of actor Lee Sun-kyun, we shared the same heart that this should never happen again. We will call for investigation officials’ probe to discover the truth, request media outlets to delete articles that do not fit their function as media, as well as urge authorities to revise the law to protect the human rights of artists," a statement sent to The Korea Herald previously read.
Lee was found dead in a car in a Seoul park last month at the age of 48. The death was ruled an apparent suicide after a police investigation into allegations surrounding illegal drug use. Police had been investigating allegations that Lee used the drugs at the residence of a bar hostess. He insisted he was tricked into taking the drugs and that he did not know what they were, according to South Korean media.
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Lee was best known in the film world for his star turn in "Parasite" where he played the patriarch of a wealthy family. He clinched a Screen Actors Guild award for cast in a motion picture for his role in the film in 2021.
Lee is survived by his wife, actress Jeon Hye-jin and two sons. Joon-ho won a 2020 Academy Award for best director for his work on "Parasite," while the film also took home three additional awards including an Oscar for best picture.
Lee, who was a popular actor in South Korea for a long time, was nominated for best actor at the International Emmy Awards for his performance in the sci-fi thriller “Dr. Brain” last year.
South Korea has strict anti-drug laws and has long had the highest suicide rate among developed countries. It has experienced a string of celebrity suicides involving K-pop stars, prominent politicians and business executives. Many of the celebrity suicides have been blamed on malicious and abusive online comments and severe cyberbullying.
If you or someone you know may be struggling with suicidal thoughts, you can call 988 any time day or night, or chat online. Crisis Text Line also provides free, 24/7, confidential support via text message to people in crisis when they dial 741741.
Contributing: Jiwon Song, The Associated Press
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Lee Sun-kyun death: 'Parasite' director calls for investigation
