Oscar-winning Parasite director Bong Joon-ho and other artists in South Korea are calling for a thorough investigation into the death of popular actor Lee Sun-kyun. Lee, who played the head of a wealthy family in the class satire movie, was found dead in his car on December 27, following an intense weeks-long police probe into his alleged drug use. During a nationally televised news conference, Bong and fellow artists questioned the handling of the investigation by the police and media. They raised concerns about the repeated summoning of Lee in the presence of TV cameras and the possible inappropriate leaking of information. They also criticized the sensationalized reports about Lee’s private life that were unrelated to the drug investigation. In a statement, they called for a thorough examination of the security of information during the police investigation. Lee’s death, which is widely believed to be suicide, comes amidst a backdrop of strict anti-drug laws and a high suicide rate in South Korea. The country has witnessed a number of celebrity suicides, often attributed to online abuse and cyberbullying.
Lee, 48, had been under investigation for alleged drug use at the residence of a bar hostess. He maintained that he was tricked into taking drugs and was unaware of their nature. The investigation into his drug use triggered extensive tabloid coverage and unconfirmed rumors about his private life. Prior to his death, Lee had filed a lawsuit against two individuals, including the bar hostess, accusing them of blackmail.
Parasite made history at the 2020 Academy Awards by becoming the first non-English-language film to win Best Picture. It also won three other Oscars. Lee, a popular actor in South Korea, had been nominated for Best Actor at the International Emmy Awards for his performance in the sci-fi thriller Dr Brain in the previous year.
This tragic incident has once again raised concerns about the protection of human rights during criminal investigations and the need for legal revisions. Artists and activists are urging authorities to address the issue of character assassination and to provide better safeguards for individuals under investigation. South Korea, known for its strict laws and regulations, must also confront the issue of the high suicide rate among its citizens, particularly in the entertainment industry. As the case of Lee Sun-kyun highlights, the consequences of intense public scrutiny can have devastating outcomes.
Ultimately, there is a call for a more empathetic and compassionate approach towards individuals facing investigations, with an emphasis on protecting their mental health and preserving their dignity. The South Korean entertainment industry, as well as society as a whole, must work collectively to create an environment that fosters support, understanding, and respect for those enduring public scrutiny.
