Lee Sun Kyun death case: South Korea police defend drug probe of Parasite actor

Lee Sun-Kyun, best known for his role in Parasite, was found dead in his car on Wednesday. Before his untimely death, he vehemently denied knowingly taking illegal drugs. He claimed to have been deceived by a bar hostess attempting to blackmail him. Reports indicated that Lee made three highly public appearances before the police since October, with the final session lasting for 19 hours overnight on Christmas Eve.

However, his death also raised questions about the harsh and public nature of the investigation, which fueled extensive media coverage delving into the actor's private life.  Recently, the head of the Incheon Metropolitan Police force, Kim Hui-jung, defended the tough questioning and shared that the entire process was carried out with Lee's consent.

What did the South Korean police say about the 'tough questioning?'

During a news briefing, Police Chief Kim Hui-Jung addressed concerns regarding the seemingly harsh nature of the investigation. He said that the "tough questioning", including three appearances by Lee Sun Kyun, was justified and conducted with the actor's consent. Chief Kim expressed "deep regret" over the Parasite actor's death and extended condolences to his grieving family.

Chief Kim spoke about the necessity of extensive questioning, stating that it was crucial to hear Lee Sun-kyun's side of the story. He clarified that the process was conducted in the presence of Lee's lawyer, adhering to legally prescribed procedures. The investigation was reportedly based on specific "reports, testimony, and evidence."

Parasite director Bong Joon Ho and others pay last respect to Lee Sun Kyun

In a viral video, Bong Joon Ho was seen making his way to the mourning site. Hospital Playlist actor Jo Jung Suk seemed distressed as he reached the hospital. He will be seen in Lee Sun Kyun's posthumous film Land of Happiness. Yoo Jae Myung, who features in the film as well, attended the funeral. Dr. Romantic actor Yoo Yeon Seok seemed visibly shaken when he went to Lee Sun Kyun's family to give them his sympathies.

The Korea Herald stated that Sol Kyung Gu, Ha Jung Woo, Lee Sung Min, Lee Jung Jae, Jung Woo Sung, Ryu Joon Yeol, Jeon Do Yeon, Yim Si Wan, Kim Nam Gil, Kim Jong Su, and Bae Seong Woo were also present at the funeral. An emotional Cho Jin Woong was also sighted at the funeral.