R.I.P. Lee Sun-Kyun: ‘Parasite’ Actor Dead At 48 After Going Missing

South Korean actor Lee Sun-kyun, best known for starring in the Oscar-winning film Parasite, has died in Seoul, according to multiple reports. The actor was 48.

The Associated Press reports that the actor was found dead in a car in Seoul after he was reported missing. Though further details were not provided about the manner of his death, South Korean media outlet Yonhap reports that his family found a “memo akin to a suicide note.”

This comes after the actor had been reported missing to police. He was recently under investigatation by police for his alleged drug use after he was accused of using illegal drugs at the home of a bar hostess amid a widespread crackdown on illegal substances in South Korea. Deadine reported that Lee had been intensely questioned by police on multiple occasions, including one instance this past weekend that lasted for 19 hours.

He also underwent two drug tests, both of which he tested negative for, and requested a polygraph test to prove his innocence.

Lee had dropped out of production for No Way Out as a result of the ongoing investigation.

Lee was best known for starring in Parasite, the Bong Joon-Ho thriller that won the Academy Award for Best Picture in 2020, as the patriarch of the affluent family. The film also nabbed a SAGA Award for best ensemble that year.

Prior to his Parasite fame, Lee earned an International Emmy nomination for his performance in the Apple TV+ thriller Dr. Brain. He also previously starred in Coffee Prince, My Mister, and Behind the Water Tower.

Lee is survived by his wife, actress Jeon Hye-jin, and their two sons.

If you or someone you know are experiencing suicidal thoughts, call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 988.