A renowned South Korean actor, notable for his performance in the Oscar-winning movie “Parasite,” passed away amid an investigation into allegations of illegal drug use, as confirmed by the police on Wednesday. He was 48 years old.
Seoul police reported receiving a missing person alert from the actor’s manager. The actor was later found in his car on Wednesday morning.
Officials have suggested suicide as the likely cause of death.
Images from the scene depict forensic teams examining a vehicle enclosed by police tape.
Authorities in Incheon revealed the actor had been interrogated three times since October regarding suspected drug use.
He was last called in by the police on December 23, detained for 19 hours, and then released.
Throughout the probe, all of the actor’s drug tests returned negative, as stated by Incheon police, who did not disclose the number of tests conducted.
The actor had alleged that he was deceived into using drugs and then blackmailed by the same person, according to the police. He had initiated legal action against the alleged blackmailer. Police mentioned receiving information about his supposed drug use prior to his lawsuit.
Two individuals, a man and a woman, have been apprehended in connection with the drug investigation.
The actor was celebrated for his portrayal of Park Dong-ik, the father in the affluent Park family in “Parasite.”
He also received accolades for his performances in the 2007 TV series “Behind the White Tower,” the 2010 series “Pasta,” and the science fiction thriller “Dr. Brain,” which earned him an International Emmy Award nomination.
