‘Parasite’ actor Lee Sun-kyun found dead amid drug investigation
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 26 ธ.ค. 2023
- Korean actor Lee Sun-kyun, who rose to international fame of his role in the Oscar-winning movie “Parasite,” was found dead in his car in Seoul after a monthslong investigation into alleged drug use. His manager told police that he left behind a note which sounded like his will. NBC's Molly Hunter reports for TODAY.
» Subscribe to TODAY: / @today
About: TODAY brings you the latest headlines and expert tips on money, health and parenting. We wake up every morning to give you and your family all you need to start your day. If it matters to you, it matters to us. We are in the people business. Subscribe to our channel for exclusive TODAY archival footage & our original web series.
Connect with TODAY Online!
Visit TODAY's Website: www.today.com/
Find TODAY on Facebook: / today
Follow TODAY on Twitter: / todayshow
Follow TODAY on Instagram: / todayshow
» Stream TODAY All Day: www.today.com/allday
About: TODAY All Day is a 24/7 streaming channel bringing you the top stories in news and pop culture, celebrity interviews, cooking, and more. All in one place.
#parasite #leesunkyun #korea
Man, I am crushed. They just bullied him and destroyed him. I feel like I lost my brother. This guy wasn't just a good actor, he seemed really nice and genuine. Look at him in Coffee Prince. RIP and G-d bless his family.
He was married with kids and he was blackmailed by a prostitute he was having an affair with which is how police got involved. It’s the police and media and his affair, not necessarily citizens opinions that drove him.
And My Mister 😢😢😢😢😢
Its heartbreaking that he couldn't handle all these accusations and left this world..Are the media are happy now?? Or all people in entertainment industry???Bravo..they are disgusting..
could YOU handle them? I doubt I could......
if you follow the story, it even more disgusting bcs Korean netizen also involved in making thing worse. After allegedly drug use which he passed the test three times.
Internet try to accuse him on cheating based on Parasite after party video where he hug other cast member of Parasite.
Wow!!! 🙄 scandalous
@@kleberson777 nope. Even if he didnt take drug, It is obvious he cheated on his wife. But his choice was really irresponsible to their family. He had to live for them anyway.
@@user-dd3nl2ri1cdoes that mean that he should bully him?
This is tragic. A man bullied in the media and wasn’t found guilty of anything. Koreans need to take a deep look at themselves. I am so sorry for his wife and children. RIP.
전 한국인입니다만 우리는 너무 편집증적인 것 같습니다. 😢
The ones who did this to him can't 😢hide! They will get their karma!! Everyone isn't strong!! Even when innocent!! They can't handle it!! What they did to him is heartbreaking!! Wish he was strong enough to fight back & bring them to justice! But in his death, I wish justice for Lee & his family!! 😢
매춘과 마약은 불법이어서 누구나 수사를 받습니다. 다른 유명인사들도 일반인들도 누구나 수사를 받을 수 있어요. 그가 오래 매춘을 한 것과 수사를 받은 것 때문에 부담을 느낀 것 같아요 특히 언론 때문에
Horrible I am so sad.
This how Korean prosecutors and media using for their interests since the government is so corrupt and trying to toss the attention to someone very popular to public even tragedy in Itaewon caused by government that put too much police to escort to president place.
He was an amazing soul and actor.. I feel so sorry that he had to endure all the bullying..my condolences to his family, his wife and children. I hope he will find his peace.. My mister RIP 😢
How awful, South Korea, shame on you for your intense scrutiny on your 'imperfect' celebrities. I'm truly sad for this marvelous actor and his loved ones.
매춘과 마약은 불법이어서 누구나 수사를 받습니다. 모든 유명인도 일반인도 수사를 받았습니다. 이선균씨만 특별한 대우를 받은 것은 아닙니다. 그의 선택은 안타깝네요
@@user-fz6hz3uc9x
@@user-fz6hz3uc9xit’s unfortunate that you justify this
@@isagyl622 마약이 불법이라서 조사 한거라니까 정당화 하긴 뭔 개소리야 외국인아
@@isagyl622 justtify what? dude did drug. he got caught. he admitted. his carrer was over. why would you blame koreans for it?
He fell victim to blackmail from the woman who supplied him with what he believed were sleeping pills. She threatened to publicly expose their alleged affair unless he paid her. The veracity of the affair remains uncertain, but the blackmail was indisputable, considering the potential sensationalism in Korean media.
Sleeping pills. Bro are you 6 yrs old 😂
@@enzop2835That's what he claimed. Nevertheless, even if the alleged incident were factual, it likely occurred long ago, as recent tests yielded negative results. The scandal he found himself embroiled in led to exorbitant compensation paid back to advertisers, potentially serving as a significant factor in his tragic decision to take his own life.
Is the blackmailer in jail?
@@enzop2835wtf are you laughing about and calling him kid ? Did you read it properly ? Obviously it wasn't drug so what was it
He tested negative twice for any drug use…
He was tested negative from the drug test. But the Korean police still chased after him so hard.
Exactly bruh
not only that. he already got dropped from multiple film project, some brand already fined him from that and netizen try to accuse him of cheating
Crazy right, that is South Korean industry, media and netizen right now
@@kleberson777 yeah but not surprising either
@@kleberson777 well because because he was blackmailed by a chick who gave him the drug. and she threaten to go to media and he paid her. So i dont think its just "accuse"
@@kleberson777 He was married with kids and he was blackmailed by a prostitute he was having an affair with which is how police got involved. It’s the police and media and his affair, not necessarily citizens opinions that drove him.
I really have loved the work of this actor … after seeing his performance in the Korean film, My Mister, he has become one of my favorite actors and I have sought out his work.
Korean law enforcement cannot expect to torment an individual with grueling and cruel treatment and for there not to be consequences. I don’t know what his suspected crime was but I hope there will be a follow up investigation of how he was treated by law enforcement to drive Lee to this. It’s a sad loss of life - very unnecessarily, in my opinion.
Well spoken
This is so sad. Loved him in 'My Mister.' RIP
this is heartbreaking news 😢 he was a great actor 🤍
What are your top ten movies of him?
@@javiruiz8365 🤍this Is my top Ten list, still love His other movies 😢🤍
1. parasite
2. my mister
3. coffee prince
4. diary of a prosecutor
5. payback money and power
6. sleep
7. pasta
8. golden time
9. helpless
10. the advocate a missing body
Korean society had driven him to take this sad action.. u people happy now? another star killed himself because of all of you!!
매춘과 마약은 불법이어서 누구나 수사를 받습니다. 다른 유명인들도 일반인들도 수사를 받았어요. 그에게만 일어난 특별한 일이 아닙니다. 언론에 많이 노출된 것이 부담을 준 것 같네요 안타깝습니다.
A country that literally promotes alcoholism acts like people that use marijuana are murderers. It's not about keeping the public safe, it's so that prosecutors and media outlets can make a name for themselves. Lee's drug tests came back negative, yet they still continued to pressure him to confess, to try and make an example of him.
they didnt pressure him to confess. he admited before the drug test.
That is their culture and their view on weed. Respect it ... the U.S. isn't the center of the universe.
He was married with kids and he was blackmailed by a prostitute he was having an affair with which is how police got involved. It’s the police and media and his affair, not necessarily citizens opinions that drove him.
Hiding behind culture doesn't entitle anyone respect. Why in the world should we respect their hypocrisy? @@jayceh1031
@@Oceanrocks121 it was everything you stated plus the citizens' opinions. They were absolutely destroying him across all platforms, definitely played a huge part
Very sad to hear about his passing. It is a very hard world to live in, no one asked to be born in this world. This is why we should please have compassion for one another. RIP Lee Sun-kyun. So sorry this happened, my condolences to his family.
A 57 year old man name cho doo soon rxped a 8 year old girl so badly that it damaged her body, but they let him free. To makes things worst the man only liked like half a mile away from the victim and her family. So the family moved from their home because they couldn’t stand living so close to the man that destroyed their little girl’s life. But they treated lee sun kyun like he killed someone
Shocking and depressing.
I’m Korean American and have heard enough about Korean celebrities killing themselves over the years, but this one is really upsetting and still shocking. He was the best and brightest of talents in Korean acting, but is this what the harsh culture and media pressure in Korea pushes people to do? To such drastic measures? I cannot believe that he felt he had no other recourse than to do this, and leave his poor children behind. It’s just so sad and appalling, I don’t know what to think but hope for some sort of reform in Korean society or police investigation! I’m so sorry for his family and close friends! RIP
Exactly my though. Korea is killing its talents. Their extreme shaming to the point of death is sickening.
I still can’t believe it happened to « him ». He was the best of this generation, an exceptional and unique actor, his role in the drama “My Mister” is a real masterpiece. It’s truly a loss for the artistic world. May he rest in peace. Hope his family finds strength during these challenging times.
All drug test came back negative but accusations didn’t stop by Korean police
A good man and a good actor but persecuted like a murderer, poor man he was desperate for his family and his career 😭😭
He was married with kids and he was blackmailed by a prostitute he was having an affair with which is how police got involved. It’s the police and media and his affair, not necessarily citizens opinions that drove him.
Loved him in My Mister and Pasta. Now I have to watch Parasite. Very sad news. Condolences to his wife and children.
Rest in Peace . He was the best actor I been watching. ❤❤❤
He was such a good actor and will be so missed. I still rewatch My Mister as it was such a beautiful drama. This is so sad 😭 😭😭💔💔💔. Sympathy and condolences to his wife and children.
My Mister is such a classic drama that hopefully will survive the test of time. It is one of my favorites along with Coffee Prince, which both features this poor actor. May he rest in peace! 😭
hope Korean society can get it together so that no more victims of depression or drug addiction will be penalized and later end up in the same way as this brilliant actor did. My heart goes out to his family‘s friend and his fans. May you rest in peace
Condolences 😞🌹
He is one of my fave actor 😢😢
And he had many great works other than Parasite. You should watch kdrama Ahjussi (my mister). His latest drama was Apple's Dr Brain, which now will be forever unfinished 😢
He was a very talented actor and I feel for those who love him
People should watch My Mister. Best drama series EVER that starred Lee Sun-Kyun. RIP.
Yes, it’s one of the best!
This is such a tragedy. He apologized for something he was innocent of and there was no evidence of such drug use. It’s very saddening that he couldn’t handle all of the accusations and made the decision to take his own life instead of people believing him when he said he never did such a thing. The one thing I’ve noticed about South Korea is they’re very early to blame someone and pester someone to confess about what they did when there is no evidence and their team always has to put out a statement saying that very thing. Such a tragedy that he wasn’t believed and it turned out this way. May he Rest In Peace.
What a tragic story.
I was reading that he was questioned for smoking marijuana. Jesus Christ. It’s 6:25 AM here in Canada and I’m getting ready for work smoking a huge blunt lol.
Profoundly saddened. SK cancel culture is cruel. The guy left his wife a two small children. Can’t imagine the pain and agony that he was passing through that led him to end it all. The country’s people should show some more empathy of the circumstances surrounding drug use and forgive and allow this actors and celebrities redeem themselves.
Your human and he is human.
I think besides the censorship, it has something to do with the Korean showbiz culture. Every once in a while, I read about celebrities who committed suicide in Korea as if they were coping with one another. I don't think it's normal for celebrities/famous people in other Asian countries to do that.
He was married with kids and he was blackmailed by a prostitute he was having an affair with which is how police got involved. It’s the police and media and his affair, not necessarily citizens opinions that drove him.
Heartbreaking news.he was great actor my favourite actor 😭😭😭 rest in peace 🙏
I'm very sorry, I met him through the drama Coffee Prince, Pasta, My mister and Parasite. excellent actor. 😢
I remember him from Coffee Prince. RIP.
Becoming famous in S. Korea is very risky. Everyone in the public eye is under so much scrutiny.
He was married with kids and he was blackmailed by a prostitute he was having an affair with which is how police got involved. It’s the police and media and his affair, not necessarily citizens opinions that drove him.
@@Oceanrocks121 are you a Bot? You copy pasted the same comments🤪
One of my favorite actors for sure.
I feel the greatest sadness upon hearing the news. Please rest in peace.
So sad man…..
This is so sad 😭😭😭
Gosh this is sooo heartbreaking. I beg the producers to erase him from his most recent works cause these will be our last memories of him alive. So please don’t do it🙏 don’t erase him. This is all the good we can keep from him❤
May he find peace ❤
He was a great actor. It's sad that this happened.
korean police and media failed so badly, so VERY badly.
I like this Actor he's really good I love his movies
SHAME ON THE SOUTH KOREAN POLICE AND PUBLIC PROSECUTOR! Knowing how important/critical reputation is to an actor, to interview Lee Sun Gyun multiple times for alleged drug use instead of focusing on his claim of being the target of blackmail is IRRESPONISBLE and bordering on criminal. Lee Sun Gyun has represented Korea to the world in the best possible way through his craft and artistry as an actor, and for unfathomable reasons the Korean Police failed to protect his rights and privacy. Instead, they contributed to the stress and pain of being at the mercy of popular opinion, “cancel culture”, and parasitic paparazzi, and have failed on a global scale. Their failure cost a human life.
May he RIP. He was an excellent actor. Korea should consider a reform. He was being punished without even being properly trialed. Even if he was involved, he needed support, not to be treated like a criminal.
I knew him from My Mister! What an awesome incredible show 😢. I loved him!
Emotional n mental stress resulting depression quite a common illness in cosmopolitan lifestyle.
Oh no!!!!!! 😢
Rip ❤
He was outstanding, koreans are not wise to bully this man
I can’t BELIEVE it 😭
I loved him in Coffee Prince. So sad for his family 😢
We had just finished watching My Mister on Netflix, and he was really great in it. I wish the scrutiny would have been easier for what he was accused of.
I watched coffee prince years ago. He had a family. This is just so sad. So much pressure.
This is a deep rooted Asian issue. China/korea/japan has this honor system in their culture and they are so anti drug and will pressure/bully/harass you until you break. South Korea population in general tend to bully anyone if they found even the slightest flaw in a person that doesn’t align with the culture. This is why being an actor or music artist, you have to keep a near perfect image. It’s sad really. Rip Lee Sun-kyun
He was married with kids and he was blackmailed by a prostitute he was having an affair with which is how police got involved. It’s the police and media and his affair, not necessarily citizens opinions that drove him.
China, Korea, and Japan.
Pressure, bully, and harass.
Maybe financially stressed too, news said that he mentioned in his suicide note that "the penalty for breach of contracts are too high." According to media reports, he will be likely to have penalties to the advertising companies and agency’s lost, and those penalties possibly can be as high as 200 million yuan.
Descansa en paz My Ajusshi 😔
Rip Lee Sun kyun, you will truly be missed
I cant understand how other human being can be so evil towards another human being 😓😓😓😓
Why did you leave out the fact that both of his forensic drug tests were NEGATIVE!!!
😢
Rest in Peace actor 🙏🙏🙏!
this made it to the Today Show?! Such tragic news.
Terrible
😞
RIP 🙏 😭😭❤
La OMS refiere que el consumo de sustancias psicoactivas es una enfermedad que debe ser tratado con profesionales de la salud, es un tema privado que solo concierne al paciente y la familia no es un tema público, típico caso de bullying donde es tanta la presión social que cae en una depresión hasta los tuétanos y toma tan triste decisión, dejaron una mujer sin compañero de vida y unos hijos adolescentes s sin padre, no hay derecho PROTESTO, que sociedad tan involucionada parecen en la época aún de Joseon, tanta riqueza, tecnología y belleza para que si falta tanto amor, empatía y humanidad por el otro. La historia sirve para no repetir y ojalá no le pase lo mismo al cantante Dragón que también está involucrado. Paz en su tumba y fortaleza a la familia
RIP !!!
Why don’t they mention he tested negative twice for any drug use?
Tristeza .
Sad !!
😭😭😭😭😭😭
V sad he had everything to live for. As was under investigation maybe he just couldnt take it. A great loss 😢😢
RIP 🙏
Mi Hermoso Lee 💔💔💔 me dejastes sola ,
RIP Ajusshi, you'll dearly missed!!
Wish we could turn back time and someone could have stopped him before he died…just gone too soon. You will be missed forever…
OMG my heart is so broken over this handsome and talented actor. I loved him in My Mister! May he RIP
👍
From
Calgary
For the coverage
Sad story
This never happens in the US. South Korea has such a high standard of moral behavior for public figures. Several drug abuse can be widely tolerated among American celebrities. Actors are not CEO or politicians; they are just humans with exceptional talents. South Korea needs to become more mature in accepting minor moral mistakes by celebrities.
Oh my god! I just connected him to Coffee Prince! This is just awful!!! His smile was so bright.
The lady reporting seems happy to report ?!?
She probably never heard of him and just reported the news
@@ramencurry6672 that happy face reporting someone just pass away ?!? Who cares you know the person who just passed or not, shouldn't your face not be like that ?!?
@@Aintnobodygottimetodomath I agree with you. The news lady probably has a lot on her busy mind and she’s probably forgetting her manners
@@ramencurry6672 I don't know what person who has so much on their mind has that face
Do you want her to be crying? 🙄🙄🙄
Que pena que en ese países hagan tantas presiones a sus artistas y que llegan a esto, luego se verifica que son falsas acusaciones paro ya han hundido al artista para siempres
Korean Government & Netizens Killed This Man. My Mister was 1 of his Greatest Works. Rest in Ever Loving Peace✨🙏🏽✨
Omg
As always nbc, leaving out important parts of a story due to superficial reportering & reporters. This man was a legendary actor in Korea. He was being blackmailed & persecuted. Her snippet of "I'm sorry" quote was poor reporting. Mr Lee Sun Gyun deserves better but..that is the best you can do. Tragic.
Who is he
Korean citizens are so unhappy they venting their frustration towards their celebrities
Are the Korean Media happy now? Are they celebrating? He tested NEGATIVE twicw in the drug test….
He kept telling the police that he is being blackmailed and for them to check the balckmailers FIRST! But NO… they rather come after him because he is popular. Korean Media…. Happy? Blackmailers…. Happy?
It is just so sad, the pressure he could have been going through…his family, so heartbreaking….. I hope that there is someone who is consoling the family…. 😢😢😢😢
you guys happy now?
💅
This is so fckd up . These news about drug test and the pressure he was facing makes me absolutely sad . The only thing I want to ask don't know to whom tho is why ? Jus why you felt the need to end your life regardless. You should have stood your ground and fight until end . You were beloved internationally no matter what . Rip
Rip
I’m Korean and I am so ashamed of our country for this very disgusting and disappointing
RIP My Mister, great kdrama😢
what happened to innocent till proven guilty? korean fans are harsh and this is proven on how many celebrity had been accused and canceled or worst suicide. How many more till we learn compassion. Or did we forgot that they too are humans and they strived, sacrificed and the hardwork they suffered to get where they are? Why are people so high on downing people knowing they are behind computers. It is sad. But i will stand by to what i said, i am asian but some koreans are harsh and thrive on the downfall of others and sadly not just koreans but globally. I just hope one day when justice is in the process that we should let the justice talk and tone down on bullying other people. Sure, freedom of speech but hopefully in this era, lets not forget that even if they are celebrities, they too have feelings, parents, wife, husband, sons and daughters. Let us all be kind in real life and behind computers. ❤ May you rest and peace.
Found dead with a briquette…
RIP MY Mister. You were so wronged by the police, your agency - who made money from you -where were they to protect you, your manager, the media, the public. Such a sad sad waste 😢💔
His Parasites got him R.I.P.
I think the headlines should be changed to "parasite actor bullied to death by police despite being proven innocent in a drug investigation" ...
I am Korean. Now I am watching this new traveling in Bangkok in Thailand. Every where is full of shops that has signboard of Cannabis.
So sad, My Mister is one of my favourites ❤ Shame on South Korea, they really need to make some changes in their country
So smoking cigarettes like a chimney and guzzling alcohol is ok but smoking weed is a punishable offence in korea?
My coffee prince will never be the same again