Lee, who played the father of a wealthy family in Parasite, died in December at age 48, apparently by suicide. His body was found in a car parked in a parking lot in Seoul. Lee’s husband reported to the police that her husband had left a suicide note and disappeared.
The actor was under investigation for drug charges and was reportedly interrogated for 19 hours before his death. Lee had claimed he was tricked into taking drugs and blackmailed. Seoul authorities have identified two women who may face extortion charges. According to The Guardian, which brokers the news, a significant number of South Korean stars, especially pop singers and actors, have died in recent years. In its public appeal, the Cultural Figures Solidarity Organization calls on the South Korean authorities and the media to try to prevent similar deaths.
Bong and other prominent cultural figures call for an investigation into police working methods. They also recommend that South Korean media reflect on sensationalist media coverage that may have contributed to Lee’s decision to take his own life. Bong and his associates are particularly critical of South Korea’s national broadcaster KBS.
2024-01-13 08:00:00
parasite-director-calls-for-investigation-into-actors-death