Parasite actor Lee Sun-kyun dead aged 48

Parasite fans are flooding to social media to pay tribute to star Lee Sun-kyun after he was found having passed away at the age of 48.

The actor was found unconscious in a car parked on a street in Northern Seoul, the capital of South Korea, earlier today (27 December).

Seoul's Seongbuk police station states that emergency officers later confirmed the actor had passed away.

Lee - best known for his role as Park Dong-ik in 2019 Oscar-winning release Parasite - leaves behind his wife, fellow actor Jeon Hye-jin, and two children.

NEON

In recent weeks, Lee has been investigated by police for alleged drug use, the Associated Press reports.

Seongbuk police also say that authorities had also been searching for the actor after receiving a report he'd gone missing, with South Korean media outlet Yonhap news agency reporting that Lee's family discovered a note left at home.

HODU&U Entertainment - Lee's agency - said in a statement: "There is no way to contain the sorrow and despair.

"We respectfully ask that you refrain from spreading false facts based on speculation... So that [Lee's] final journey will not be unfair."

And fans are flocking to social media to commemorate the star - who also starred in 2018 release My Mister and 2023 comedy thriller Sleep.

Barry Brecheisen/Getty Images

One X - formerly known as Twitter - user wrote: "( March 2, 1975 - December 27, 2023). May he rest in peace. Among his many wonderful projects, Lee was praiseworthy in 'Parasite"'and exceptional in 'My Mister.' May he be remembered for his excellent work and creative gifts."

"R.I.P - Lee Sun-kyun, such a talented actor. My thoughts are for his family and loved ones," another added.

A third commented: "Lee Sun-Kyun was a great actor. First introduced to him via R-Point as a kid, then he exploded with Parasite.

"At this last Fantastic Fest with Sleep and Project Silence he really cemented himself as a compelling leading man. Thoughts are with his family during this tragic time."

And a fourth added: "This is such devastating news. Lee Sun-kyun was just at Lincoln Center a few months ago when Killing Romance was the opening film at NYAFF and I felt like there was so much ahead of him. thank you for moving us with your art."

If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677