‘Parasite’ actor’s suicide note disclosed

South Korean actor Lee Sun Kyun. Photo from Lee’s management agency’s Instagram

Confirmed deceased by police on Wednesday, Lee was discovered in a car close to a Seoul park. Yonhap News Agency reported that Lee’s spouse, actress Jeon Hye Jin, alerted the police after discovering a note penned by him, indicative of a suicide note. However, Lee had ceased breathing by the time he was located.

As per TV Chosun‘s Thursday report, Lee’s note to Jeon stated: “I cannot do anything else, there is no other way but this.”

He additionally conveyed a message to his management agency.

“The financial penalties for breaching advertising and movie contracts are overwhelming,” he wrote. “I am sorry.”

Further contents of the note remain undisclosed following his family’s request. With no indications of foul play, the family did not request an autopsy.

Lee’s funeral, a private ceremony, took place on Wednesday, with attendants including close acquaintances of his like South Korean actor Jo Jung Seok and Taiwanese actor Greg Hsu.

Numerous of his colleagues have shared their grief on social media as well. South Korean actress Claudia Kim of “Avenger: Age of Ultron” and “Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald” fame described Lee’s death as a significant loss to the Korean film industry.

Before his passing, Lee was booked for an investigation in October for alleged drug control law violations. He was implicated in using prohibited substances at a high-end bar in South Korea, known for hosting the wealthiest 1% in the country, where he was a regular. According to New Daily, this bar employed ex-models and singers.

Following this scandal, Lee encountered career difficulties, including contract cancellations by advertisers and his own withdrawal from a film project. His wife, as reported, was deeply affected and stunned by her husband’s controversies.

Lee, 48, embarked on his entertainment career in 2001 as a musical actor and gained prominence in 2007 through major roles in the drama series “White Tower” and “Coffee Prince.”