Film director Bong Joon Ho is among a collective of Korean artists calling for a new investigation into the death of “Parasite” actor Lee Sun Kyun.
Lee was found unconscious inside his car in a park in Seoul on December 26. His wife reportedly found a note similar to a suicide note and reported him to the police. Authorities pronounced Lee dead. He was 48 years old.
Along with the note, the circumstances surrounding the SAG Award-winning actor's death were tainted by allegations of prior drug use. Before his death, Lee faced intense police interrogations and threats for his alleged use of marijuana and other drugs that are illegal in South Korea. Lee said he was tricked into taking drugs.
Now, Bong, who collaborated with Lee on the 2020 Oscar-winning thriller “Parasite,” joins other Korean artists calling on authorities for a new investigation into the actor's death.
“In light of the tragic death of actor Lee Sun-kyun, we share the same heart that this should never happen again,” the Association stated. The Cultural Artists Solidarity Department said in a statement Tuesday, according to the Korea Herald. “We will call on investigative officials to uncover the truth, ask media outlets to remove articles that do not fit their role as media outlets, just as we urge authorities to review the law to protect human rights.” human beings of artists.”
The collective includes Bong, composer Yoon Jong-shin, director Lee Won-tae, actor Choi Deok-moon and Korea Producers Guild head Choi Jeong-hwa, the outlet said. A news conference is scheduled in South Korea on Friday.
Times staff writer Jeong Park and colleague Ashley Ahn contributed to this report.
