Family, friends bid final farewell to ‘Parasite’ actor

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

Reports from TV Daily indicate that Lee’s cremation occurred in Suwon, a northwestern city in South Korea, followed by his burial in a cemetery located in Seoul’s Gwangju district.

The actor’s two sons returned from the U.S. to attend his funeral. His wife, actress Jeon Hye Jin, appeared deeply distressed during the ceremony and needed support.

Numerous friends and colleagues joined Lee’s family at the cemetery, including “Parasite” director Bong Joon Ho, actors Lee Sung Min, Ryu Seung Ryong, Gong Hyo Jin, Kim Dong Wook, Ryu Seung Ryong, Cho Jin Woong, Park Sung Woong, Ryu Soo Young, Kim Nam Gil, and Jung Woo Sung.

It is reported that Yoo In Chon, Minister of Culture, Sports, and Tourism of South Korea, visited Seoul National University Hospital’s funeral home, where Lee’s funeral was held, to express his condolences to the actor’s family. Although not personally acquainted with Lee, Yoon said he wanted to attend his funeral as a colleague, as he used to be an actor himself. Yoo also expressed his sorrow over Lee’s death at the peak of his career.

Numerous of Lee’s colleagues have also shared their grief on social media. 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.

Confirmed deceased by police on Wednesday, Lee was discovered in a car close to a Seoul park. Yonhap News Agency reported that Jeon 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.

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.

These allegations led to professional setbacks for Lee, including lost advertising contracts and his withdrawal from a film project. His wife was reportedly deeply shocked by these controversies.

Lee, aged 48, began his career in entertainment in 2001 as a musical actor. He rose to fame in 2007 with major roles in the drama series “White Tower” and “Coffee Prince.”