Actor Lee Sun-kyun's sudden death has been reported by international media. The entertainment industry is in deep mourning and shock.
On December 27, his agency, Hodu&U Entertainment, announced, "Actor Lee Sun-kyun left this world on December 27. We are inconsolable and utterly devastated," and pleaded, "Please ensure that the late actor's final journey is not marred by unfounded speculation and malicious reporting."
According to the agency, the funeral will be held quietly with family and colleagues in attendance. Major international news outlets, including CNN and BBC, also urgently reported the news of his death.
Reports from these outlets conveyed that "Lee Sun-kyun, an actor from the Academy Award-winning movie 'Parasite,' has died."
Meanwhile, Lee Sun-kyun's wake was set up at the Seoul National University Hospital Funeral Hall, decorated with beautifully arranged flowers. The portrait photo used was taken during an interview for his recent film 'Killing Romance.' In the photo, the deceased is seen with his characteristic warm smile.
Near Lee Sun-kyun's wake were condolence wreaths from various sectors, with actor Jeon Hye-jin and his two older brothers and sister's names listed. The wake was arranged in Room 1 of the funeral hall from 3 PM, and his brothers were among the first to begin the funeral proceedings. Family members and employees from the agency greeted mourners with somber expressions.
Despite the strict security, mourners gradually visited the wake. Directors Lee Won-seok of 'Killing Romance' and actors Yoo Jae-myung from one of his last films 'The Country of Happiness,' along with the producer of the 'Crime City' series Jang Won-seok from B.A. Entertainment, were among those who paid their respects. Fellow actors such as Song Young-gyu, Kim Sung-cheol, and many others visited the funeral hall late into the evening.
The sudden news has led to a wave of mourning across the entertainment industry. For instance, the interview with actor Kim Sung-gyu for the movie 'Noryang' scheduled for the afternoon of the 27th was canceled, and the online press conference for the new tvN drama 'Marry My Husband' planned for 2 PM has been postponed to January 1st.
Director Kim Han-min of 'Noryang' also canceled his appearance on MBN's 'News Wide' scheduled for 6:35 PM on the 27th. The web entertainment show 'Supermarket Sora,' set to be released on the 27th, was canceled, and actor Kim Sun-ho's live broadcast planned for the 28th in the afternoon was rescheduled, as informed by his agency.
Furthermore, the thank-you stage greeting for the recently 10-million hit movie 'Spring in Seoul' scheduled for the next day (28th) was also canceled. The distributor Plus M Entertainment posted on SNS in the afternoon, "The stage greeting event for 'Spring in Seoul' planned for tomorrow (28th) has unavoidably been canceled. We kindly ask for the understanding of the audience."
Additionally, Ryu Seung-su posted on SNS, "You've worked hard all this time. Rest in peace now," expressing his condolences, and actress Soo Hyun wrote, "I was shocked to hear the news, and my heart aches. Everyone deserves forgiveness for their mistakes and a second chance. What a great loss to the Korean entertainment industry. I will pray for the deceased's family and close friends. May he rest in peace."
Songwriter Kim Eana shared, "Listening to a recording from who knows where, plugging in my earphones to secretly listen, clicking on similar gossip content that pops up, glancing at sensational headlines, and then clearing my conscience at the end by saying, 'That's too much, too harsh.' I remember clearly, so I can't even dare to mourn."
Actor Jihoon Lee also posted a black image with the text, "Words of those who haven't experienced it or been there, can they really be fair or equal? News, YouTube, exaggerated rumors, those netizens, witch hunts, who are they to judge others? Are they living without any shame themselves? Stop persecuting," expressing his grief.
In addition to them, actor Park Ho-san, Hong Seok-cheon, Luna, 'Pachinko' author Lee Min-jin, Jang Sung-kyu, Yoon Taeck, Prime, Kim Song, Cool Yuri, Choi Si-won, singer Lee Soo, and others also conveyed their condolences.
Lastly, Lee Sun-kyun's funeral is scheduled for the 29th, and his final resting place will be in a family cemetery in Buan County, Jeollabuk-do.
