Lee Sun-kyun, a renowned South Korean actor known for his role in the Oscar-winning film “Parasite,” was dropped from several TV projects due to his involvement in a ‘hostess blackmail drug scandal’ before his suspected suicide at the age of 48. His wife, Jeon Hye-jin, found a suicide note and reported his death to the police.
The actor was under investigation for allegations of drug use, including marijuana and ketamine, which were reportedly taken at the home of a hostess at a high-end bar. This led to his removal from major projects, including a mystery thriller TV show called “No Way Out.”
Although Lee insisted he had not knowingly taken illegal drugs and demanded a lie detector test, he was facing public scrutiny and subsequent legal actions. Progressive questioning sessions and extended police interrogations further added to the burden he faced. Despite defending himself from the allegations and filing a complaint against the woman for blackmail and extortion, the situation took a toll on him.
His body was discovered inside a car near Waryong Park in northern Jongno-gu, Seoul. The tragic outcome has brought to light the harsh realities surrounding drug-related scandals and the immense pressures public figures can face.
