Friends, former co-stars, film industry insiders and family members turned up in large numbers to pay their respects and bid a teary farewell to Lee Sun-kyun. Photos from the funeral were shared online by AFP and other media outlets.
The photos saw Lee’s widow, Jeon Hye-jin with her head down, unable to hold back tears. Dressed in black traditional attire, she was seen wiping away her tears. It was reported that her two sons were also at the funeral ceremony.
Photos saw family members walking with a framed picture of the actor smiling brightly as others carried his mortal remains in a coffin and placed it in a hearse. Elaborate security arrangements were in place to make sure the funeral proceedings went on without any disruption from grieving fans.
Photo: AFP
Photo: AFP
Photo: AFP
Lee was reportedly buried at the Buan-gun, North Jeolla Province.
Before laying the actor to rest, the family hosted a wake on the evening of December 27, at Seoul National University Hospital, where his wife, was listed as the chief mourner. On the morning of December 28, celebrities including ‘Parasite’ director Bong Joon Ho, actor Choi Won-young, director Lee Won-suk and many others were seen arriving to offer their condolences to the grieving family and to also pay their respects.
As the ceremony was a private event, only family and film industry friends were present.
Lee Sun-kyun’s lifeless body was discovered in his car on the morning of December 27. The actor had been the subject of an ongoing investigation since October 2023, stemming from allegations of drug use.
Despite receiving negative results from drug tests, the inquiry persisted, fueled by accusations made by a nightclub manager identified as ‘A,’ who reportedly extorted 350 million KRW from Lee. Intriguingly, media reports indicated that ‘A’ had a previous history of drug offences.
Throughout the investigation, Lee Sun-kyun refuted the accusations, maintaining that he believed the substances provided by ‘A’ were intended to aid in sleep. In the days preceding his untimely demise, the actor even volunteered to undergo a lie detector test.
The circumstances surrounding the police’s prolonged investigation have triggered widespread outrage within the virtual community and among fans globally. Many are now raising questions about the nature and intensity of the probe, expressing concerns about the impact on the actor’s well-being.
Lee Sun-kyun’s passing has not only saddened his admirers but has also ignited a national dialogue regarding the strict drug laws in the country. The incident has prompted calls for a more compassionate and understanding approach to such investigations, emphasizing the need for empathy and support for individuals facing such allegations.
Korea: ‘Parasite’ actor Lee Sun-Kyun found dead in a city park in Seoul