Lee Sun-kyun’s death: Korean celebrities pay tribute to ‘Parasite’ actor

A series of press conferences and interviews were cancelled following Lee Sun-kyun’s sudden death on Wednesday. As Korean actors and entertainment industry insiders express their condolences, more industry events are likely to be cancelled over the next few weeks.

Local broadcaster tvN said Wednesday it would reschedule the live online press conference for its new romantic comedy drama Marry Me Now to Jan 1. The press conference was prepared to take place at 2pm Wednesday.

Actor Kim Sung-kyu, who played a supporting role in director Kim Han-min’s latest work on Admiral Yi Sun-sin, Noryang: Deadly Sea, also cancelled a media interview on Wednesday.

Director Kim Seong-su and actors from hit political flick 12.12: The Day also abruptly cancelled an event planned for Megabox Coex in Seoul on Thursday. The cast and the director were to meet with the audience to celebrate the film’s popularity and over 10 million tickets sold.

Korean celebrities and entertainment industry insiders also left words of mourning on their social media.

Lee Min-jin, author of the novel Pachinko, wrote of Lee Sun-kyun on Instagram, “May he be remembered for his excellent work and creative gifts.”

“Among his many wonderful projects, Lee was praiseworthy in Parasite and exceptional in My Mister,” she wrote.

Actor Claudia Kim wrote on Instagram, “Everyone deserves to be forgiven for their mistakes. Everyone deserves a second chance…” and, “What a loss of great talent it is for the Korean entertainment industry.”

On Wednesday, Lee was found dead inside a car in Seoul, days after the third round of police questioning on Saturday – lasting 19 hours through the night – over suspicions of illegal drug use, including marijuana and psychotropics. He had been claiming innocence and had requested a lie detector test. – The Korea Herald/Asia News Network

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