'Parasite' Actor Lee Sun-Kyun Found Dead Inside His Parked Car In Seoul

The Seoul Seongbuk Police Station announced Wednesday that South Korean actor Lee Sun-kyun from the award-winning movie "Parasite" was found dead inside a vehicle parked at Waryong Park in Jongno-gu. He was 48.

According to a report by Ten Asia, police were dispatched to the park after receiving an emergency call from a woman saying her husband left the house after writing a note that appeared to be a will or a suicide note.

When the police found the vehicle at 10:30 a.m. KST, they reportedly confirmed that the unconscious man was Lee Sun-Kyun. They also noted that a charcoal briquette was found in the passenger seat of his car.

"As he was pronounced dead, he wasn't taken to the hospital," an official said, per The Korea Times.

Since October, the actor had been under investigation for suspicion of "drug use." On Oct. 19, Gyeonggi Shinmun reported about a top star, referred to as Mr. L, who was engaged in drug use. The Incheon Metropolitan Police Agency's Narcotics Crime Investigation Unit reportedly conducted an internal investigation into the top actor, as well as seven others, at the time, on charges of violating the Drugs Control Act.

After speculations grew around Lee based on the hints, his agency, HODU&U Entertainment, released a statement. Aside from apologizing for the concerns caused by the reports regarding Lee, the agency said that its artist had filed a complaint with the law enforcement agency against an individual connected to the incident for continuously blackmailing and threatening him.

In November, it was reported that Lee tested negative in another drug test of hair samples. Before that, in October, his rapid urine test also came out negative.

With the news of Lee's sudden passing, fans have been expressing their thoughts and messages of condolences online.

"We mourn the tragic loss of Lee Sun-Kyun, a remarkable talent gone too soon. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and fans during this difficult time. Rest in peace," tweeted a K-wave fan account.

"Rest in peace, Lee Sun-Kyun. I will always remember you as the talented actor that brought to life Ahjussi, one of those who helped me face the darkest times," one fan wrote about the "My Mister" actor.

"As disappointed as I was with the previous news and as I followed the progress of his case, I honestly still hoped that he could recover and make a comeback step by step. Today's news really shocked everyone, I didn't expect it to be like this... Rest in peace Lee Sun-Kyun," commented another one.

If you or someone you know is struggling or has had suicidal thoughts, confidential help is available for free at the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org. The line is available 24 hours, every day.