A group of about 15 directors, actors and workers from the South Korean film industry asked on Friday the opening of an investigation on the way South Korean police and media handled the investigation into actor Lee Sun-kyun: Lee died, apparently in a suicide, just as the investigation into him, which was launched last October and had damaged his reputation very much. He had become famous throughout the world for his role in Parasite, winner of four Oscars, where he played the father of the wealthy Park family. The group of film workers who called for an investigation include the film’s director, Bong Joon-ho.
In South Korea, drug use is considered a serious crime and can lead to sentences of up to five years in prison, even for the use of substances such as marijuana. From October onwards numerous details of the investigation into Lee had circulated in South Korean media. The group of directors who want an investigation to be launched is asking to verify that the police have not violated the laws that protect the privacy and safety of the people under investigation. He also criticized the sensationalist tone with which the media treated the investigation.
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Where to ask for help
If you are in an emergency situation, call 112. If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, you can call the Helpline on 02 2327 2327 or via the internet from hereevery day from 10am to midnight. You can also call the association Samaritans on 06 77208977, every day from 1pm to 10pm.