'Parasite' actor mourned by colleagues

South Korean actor Lee Sun Kyun. Photo from Lee's fanpage's Instagram

Lee was confirmed dead by the police on Wednesday after he was found in a car parked near a park in Seoul. According to Yonhap News Agency, Lee’s wife, actress Jeon Hye Jin, informed the police after finding a note written by him that resembles a suicide letter. However, Lee had already stopped breathing by the time he was found.

The investigation into the cause of his death is ongoing.

Actress Claudia Kim, known for her role in "Avengers: Age of Ultron" and "Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald," shared her shock and grief over Lee’s passing on her Instagram.

"What a loss of great talent it is for the Korean entertainment industry," she wrote. "Sending prayers to his [Lee’s] family and close friends. Rest in peace."

Comedian Yoon Taek uploaded a photo of Lee on his Instagram profile and expressed his condolences over Lee’s death.

"I wonder to what extent would living be harder than dying, making him choose to leave his children, wife, parents, and beloved behind," he wrote.

Yoon remarked that Lee’s career achievements were commendable with his profound performances on screen.

Many movie premieres and interviews scheduled for release on Wednesday have been canceled or postponed to commemorate Lee and express condolences to his family.

The actor’s management agency has announced that his funeral would be held in private, with only his family and close friends attending. It hopes people will not spread false information or groundless speculation about the actor to allow him to rest in peace.

Lee, aged 48, started his career in the entertainment industry in 2001 as a musical actor. He rose to fame in 2007 with significant roles in the drama series "White Tower" and "Coffee Prince."

The actor was booked for an investigation concerning violations of drug control laws in October. He was accused of using banned substances at an exclusive bar in South Korea, catering to the top 1% wealthiest, where he was a frequent visitor. This bar, according to New Daily, employed former models and singers.

Lee experienced professional setbacks following the controversy, including the termination of contracts by several advertisers and his voluntary departure from a film project. His wife was reportedly shocked and devastated upon learning of her husband’s scandals.