In January 2024, the Academy Award-winning director Bong Joon Ho stood on a stage in Seoul surrounded by 15 comrades from the South Korean film industry. This group, comprising directors, actors, and producers, all dressed entirely in black, had amassed over two dozen Grand Bell Awards, the South Korean equivalent of the Oscars between them. They gathered to criticize their nation’s police and media for the unfortunate demise of a friend and collaborator, actor Lee Sun-kyun. Two months prior, Lee, who was one of the memorable leads in Bong’s multi-Oscar-winning film Parasite, had been a prominent and adored figure in Korean cinema. However, he soon became a symbol of controversy, mockery, and disgrace. On December 27, 2023, he was found dead by suicide in his car parked in a public lot near Seoul’s city center. He was 48 years old.
Initially, Lee’s decline left those familiar with him puzzled. However, over time, it enraged them instead.
Expressing our collective sorrow over the untimely demise of actor Lee Sun-kyun, Bong made a heartfelt plea for change. From the stage, he read out a prepared statement, which was echoed by hundreds of film professionals and 29 Korean arts groups. The essence of their joint appeal was threefold: to launch an investigation into the handling of this case, to remove articles that do not adhere to journalistic standards from media outlets, and to revise existing laws to ensure better protection for artists’ human rights.
Lee initially learned that his life was about to undergo a dramatic change, much like most of Korean society did, by reading an article from the regional Gyeonggi Newspaper published on October 19, 2023. The article reported that authorities in Incheon, a city west of Seoul, were investigating claims that he had used ketamine and marijuana. To add to the controversy, it was alleged that he took these substances with a 29-year-old bar hostess.
South Korea has some of the most stringent drug laws globally, with penalties for first-time marijuana users reaching up to five years in prison, regardless of whether the use took place at home or abroad where the substance is legal. The consequences can be even more severe for stronger drugs. The accusations against Lee surfaced during a period when Korean anti-drug enforcers were on high alert. In spring 2023, South Korea’s conservative president, Yoon Suk Yeol (who was impeached and subsequently removed from office in April due to his mishandling of martial law in December) announced a renewed crackdown on drugs. Through a series of public speeches, President Yoon encouraged the police to increase arrests and focus on high-profile cases that would serve as a deterrent.
As a devoted fan, I’ve seen my idol shine brightly in his homeland for years, but when the accusations against him surfaced, I knew his career was hanging by a thread. In the Western world, a touch of mischief might be expected from a film legend or pop sensation, with their wild lifestyle often woven into the fabric of their stardom. But South Korea’s entertainment industry is rooted in deeply traditional values. Stars are not just expected to provide entertainment, but to be paragons of virtue. In the court of public opinion, even the slightest hint of drug use, infidelity, or moral misconduct can spell career doom.
According to Im Young-ho, a professor at Pusan National University who specializes in media studies, the Korean public expects celebrities to uphold a higher moral standard than ordinary citizens, and the media is quick to publicize scandals involving these figures. In fact, they often report unverified accusations as facts. However, when it comes to politicians and other powerful public figures, the media tends to tread more carefully. They exercise thorough fact-checking and defensive reporting, as they could potentially face legal action for libel if they make false claims.
However, celebrities find themselves at a significant disadvantage compared to the media, as they are essentially underdogs in their power struggle,” Im explains. “While a politician can resolve legal disputes through the court system, for celebrities, merely being embroiled in a scandal can be fatal.
A recent survey conducted by Hankook Research in December 2022 revealed that approximately 80% of South Korean respondents believe that famous individuals who are found to be using illegal substances should face harsher societal or financial penalties compared to regular citizens.
Jang Won-seok, an established film producer and head of BA Entertainment production studio, asserts that for local movie stars, maintaining absolute moral integrity is practically essential. He explains that while it may seem extreme, the Korean audience holds such expectations from artists, making it necessary for the entertainment industry to meet these standards. Without public support, our industry simply wouldn’t thrive.
He remarks, “Artists in the Korean entertainment industry appear to be among the most upright individuals globally – at least based on their outward appearances.
A significant part of Lee’s fame can be attributed to his ability to embody the ideal of a charming, family-oriented film star flawlessly. In the 1990s, he gained prominence through a string of successful Korean TV dramas where he often played lovable, clean-cut sidekicks (such as in “Coffee Prince” and “Behind the White Tower”) or lead roles driven by a deep sense of morality and integrity (like in “Pasta” and “My Mister”). Early on, he boosted his rising stardom with roles in offbeat indie films and thought-provoking stage performances (“Our Sunhi” and “Nobody’s Daughter Haewon”). The Korean tabloids were thrilled when he married popular actress Jeon Hye-jin in 2009, whose career was also thriving. Later, the public was delighted as the couple had two sons. By the time Lee gained international recognition for his role in Bong’s “Parasite,” portraying a character who contrasted with his typical roles as a snobbish tech executive whose mansion is invaded by a working-class family of con artists, he was already a beloved figure in Korea, known for his wholesome image and soothing baritone voice (fans affectionately called him “The Voice”).
Friends and colleagues maintain that the genuine, kind-hearted character loved by fans was indeed a true reflection of the man they knew as Lee.
According to Jang, who produced Lee’s 2014 hit action film “A Hard Day”, Lee was authentic in all aspects – be it acting or interacting with those around him. He took his work seriously but also had a great sense of humor and was easy-going. Working with him was a pleasure every time, and this isn’t just said out of respect for his memory; he truly was a kind and sincere individual in reality.
In late 2023, as I was deeply engrossed in my gaming sessions, a sensational image started to unfold in the Korean media and public consciousness. This picture portrayed a famous celebrity living a double life filled with infidelity and drug addiction. The ensuing coverage was like a wildfire, fueled by police leaks or speculative rumors. If you can imagine it, it was as if Tom Hanks, during the height of his Forrest Gump fame, had been caught red-handed using drugs with an escort – that’s how frenzied the reaction became.
Initial investigations against Lee were underway, as revealed from a leaked police report, when a former actress named Park visited a police station to accuse the movie star of using drugs with a 29-year-old woman named Kim. Kim, who worked at an exclusive club in Seoul’s Gangnam District, was reported to have been involved with Lee. They had met during their time in prison – Park served her sentence for fraud and Kim for drug offenses – but it seems their connection turned sour. When Kim was interrogated by the police, she claimed that Lee had engaged in drug use with her multiple times.
From the beginning, Lee’s public statements portrayed a contrasting image. The actor claimed he had never intentionally used illegal substances, expressing suspicion that Kim may have secretly given him something at her bar, which she could later use for blackmail. He alleged that Kim extorted 300 million won ($225,000) from him and later admitted to paying an additional 50 million won ($37,000) to a second blackmailer, who turned out to be Park. However, he did not refute knowing the two women. The way their relationship was perceived added fuel to the media coverage and fan backlash.
Jang points out that everyone can err, and it’s possible Lee may have done so as well. However, no evidence was ever presented to prove he committed a crime. Jang criticizes how the police handled the situation, stating their approach was inappropriate and illegal. The matter became a national spectacle, damaging Lee’s privacy and reputation. Essentially, the incident led to Lee’s death due to the harshness of public opinion and the media. Ultimately, the public shares some responsibility for these events.
The impact on the actor’s profession was swift. He swiftly withdrew from the popular thriller series No Way Out, which he had just started filming, and several Korean companies ended their endorsement agreements with both him and his spouse.
On October 28, I found myself under investigation for alleged cannabis and psychoactive drug use. Despite being tested four times, I never showed positive results. I was interrogated thrice at police headquarters, one session lasting a grueling 19 hours straight. Prior to my final interrogation, my lawyer requested that I enter the station through a private entrance due to the relentless media attention and its detrimental impact on me. Regrettably, this request was denied. Each time I visited the police station privately, the media was tipped off in advance, forcing me to endure a humiliating walk of shame past a swarm of reporters and cameras waiting at the entrance – fueling the media maelstrom even more.
Over two months, approximately thousands of articles were written by Korean media, ranging from tabloids to mainstream sources, about Lee’s predicament. This story overshadowed all other domestic news in Korea at that time, even surpassing several corruption scandals involving President Yoon’s People Power Party. Whenever it seemed the case against Lee was slowing down and there were signs the focus might shift to police inaction or lack of evidence, a fresh leak would surface, reigniting public fury and intensifying pressure on the actor to comply.
At the end of November, the nationwide broadcaster KBS (similar to Korea’s BBC) made an unusual move by sharing bits of a private phone call between Lee and Kim. In this conversation, Lee, with his deep voice, was engaged in a playful, slightly flirtatious dialogue with the woman who would eventually either accuse or extort him, based on whose version of events you accepted. At one point, Kim attempted to steer the discussion towards drugs, but Lee seemed unbothered and showed no interest.
The origin of the recording and its leak to KBS remains unknown. Since then, people have suggested that Kim might have made it in an attempt to blackmail Lee, and that the police could have leaked it to force a confession out of him. Following his death, KBS faced significant backlash as a public broadcaster for airing the recording since it had little evidentiary value but was biased and harmful to Lee’s reputation.
Chan-seung Chung, a psychiatrist at Maum Clinic in Seoul, points out that when a celebrity experiences a downfall, the public’s interest and fascination often escalate, which the media capitalizes on financially. However, he emphasizes that this focus overlooks the celebrity’s fundamental human rights, personal suffering, and potential risk of suicide,” says Chan-seung Chung.
In a traditional society like South Korea’s, it’s understandable that things can become extremely serious when sensationalist media outlets without boundaries operate. This is because the consequences can be dire. Lately, the emergence of more careless and aggressive influencer communities, who have huge fan bases on platforms like YouTube and social media, has only intensified the challenges faced by celebrities.
In late December, with no tangible proof of wrongdoing against him and the case hinging on one person’s testimony, Lee openly declared, “I urge the authorities to exercise sound discernment regarding whose accounts are more trustworthy – mine or the blackmailers.” Additionally, through his legal representative, he petitioned for a polygraph examination. Regrettably, before the police responded officially, Lee was discovered deceased.
Film Director Byun Sung-hyun developed a strong bond with Lee during the production of the political thriller “Kingmaker” in 2022, which turned out to be a significant success for both the director and the lead actor. However, Byun was stunned and disheartened as he witnessed his friend being widely criticized by the public within just a few weeks.
I was utterly shocked. I hadn’t expected it to be him. Not even a month ago, we were enjoying drinks in front of his house, sharing laughter about our upcoming project,” Byun recalls. “When he was under investigation, I cautiously messaged him, encouraging him to stay strong and reach out if needed. Shortly after our chat, I learned of his death. I wish I had called him or visited his home instead of texting. Now, I regret that decision. I was deeply concerned for Hye-jin, and I was enraged at the media.
Among developed countries, South Korea has one of the highest suicide rates. For instance, in 2022, it reported approximately 24.1 deaths per 100,000 people, which is considerably higher than Japan (15.3), the United States (14.5), France (12.1), the United Kingdom (7), and even Russia (21.6). However, in 2024, South Korea’s situation deteriorated further, with the suicide rate increasing to 28.3 – the highest it has been in over a decade.
Notably, the impact of stress and mental health struggles has reportedly been particularly intense among well-known figures in South Korea‘s entertainment industry. In recent years, several notable Korean entertainers have tragically passed away. These include K-pop star Sulli (in 2019), singer-actress Goo Hara (also in 2019), actress Yoo Joo-eun (2022), singer Choi Sung-bong (2023), actress Jung Chae Yul (2023), singer-actor Moonbin (April 2023), singer Haesoo (May 2023), model and live-streamer Lim Ji-hye (June 2023) as well as actor Song Jae-lim (November).
2025 has seen a string of tragedies, one of them being the death of 24-year-old actress Kim Sae-ron in her residence. Once hailed as one of South Korea’s brightest young talents, Kim’s career took a turn for the worse after a DUI conviction in 2022 that tarnished her reputation. This unfortunate incident resulted in most of her scenes being cut from Netflix’s popular Korean series Bloodhounds, marking the end of her acting credits. At the time, the director explained their decision by saying they aimed to reduce viewers’ discomfort by minimizing the actress’ screen presence.
As a devoted fan, I find myself deeply saddened by the recent events surrounding the life and death of Kim Soo-hyun, a beloved Korean actor. The tragic news of his former girlfriend, Kim Sae-ron’s passing, has brought forth allegations that have intensified the public spotlight on their relationship.
In March, it was revealed that there were claims by Kim Sae-ron’s family stating that a six-year relationship between Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron began when she was 15 years old and he was 27. It is important to note that the age of consent in Korea is 16. The family also alleged that the talent agency, which represented Kim Sae-ron and was co-owned by Kim Soo-hyun, demanded financial compensation for losses stemming from her canceled performances and endorsement deals.
Adding to the tragedy, the demands for repayment came from the company of Kim’s ex-boyfriend, who had reportedly cut off all contact with her following her downfall. These demands, according to her family, significantly contributed to the mental state that led to Kim Sae-ron’s unfortunate demise.
My heart goes out to both families involved in this sad tale, and I hope for a future where such events are prevented by promoting ethical and respectful relationships in the entertainment industry.
Currently, Kim Soo-hyun is facing public backlash following the controversy surrounding him. At first, he denied all allegations made by his family, but later confessed to a relationship with Kim Sae-ron, stating that it started only after she turned of age. However, the Korean public has expressed strong disapproval towards the actor, as evidenced by numerous influencers and fan communities speaking out against him. As a result, he lost all his endorsement deals, including one with Prada, and Disney+ has postponed the release of his upcoming series Knock-Off. Recently, Kim Soo-hyun has withdrawn from public life, and his loyal fans have started showing concern for his well-being.
2024 saw the tragic passing of Lee, a once-revered figure whose downfall was a shock to many. This event sparked an intense desire among me and others in the Korean community for transformation and progress within our industry.
In a bold move to protect the rights of artists and public figures, Bong – the nation’s cherished cinematic icon – along with his supporters launched a widespread advocacy effort. Their goal was to shed light on the hazardous conditions that artists often face and demand improved protection for their human rights. The “Association of Solidarity for Cultural Artists,” formed by this group and many more signatories, particularly focused on the police’s handling of privacy matters, specifically in the case of Lee.
At the somber press conference held in Seoul, Bong emphasized the importance of a comprehensive probe by the relevant authorities to ascertain if there were any oversights in the investigative safety measures. Additionally, he called for an extensive examination to discover whether any illegal actions were taken towards the media.
After Lee’s demise, there was a public response from the top authorities at the Incheon Metropolitan Police Department. During a press conference, they defended their investigators, stating that all actions taken during the investigation, including the 19-hour questioning session late at night, were lawful and appropriate. This session took place after four straight negative drug tests.
At the end of January, anti-corruption officials conducted searches at Incheon station for signs that some officers had breached the Personal Information Protection Act by disclosing confidential details and documents related to Lee’s case. As a result, two officers from Incheon were handed over to prosecutors, with one officer being dismissed after confessing to leaking an entire case report to the media.
It’s widely thought among legal professionals that if Lee were an average citizen, his case would’ve been dismissed once his drug test results came back clean. However, as soon as the initial leak was made public – sparking a media storm – the police felt immense pressure to bring charges against the actor due to public scrutiny.
Supporters of this perspective believe that the act of leaking information in the Korean police force is not unusual or out-of-the-ordinary. Instead, they suggest it’s a typical reaction to the corrupting influences and skewed incentives prevalent within the Korean police force.
In the words of attorney An Junhung from Son & Partners in Seoul, it’s frequently seen that the police share information with the media about cases that involve celebrities. This is primarily due to the significant public interest in celebrities compared to politicians. A side effect of this is that investigators who receive more media attention are more likely to be promoted within the ranks. It’s no secret, it’s generally understood that those who have a history of investigating high-profile cases like those involving celebrities tend to advance in their careers, whether it’s in the police or prosecutor’s office.
As a gamer, I’ve noticed that just like in a challenging game, President Yoon’s drug war strategy seems to have its rewards ramped up and safety measures dialed down, according to experts. This administration, similar to a tough-as-nails boss in an RPG (Role Playing Game), has declared their intent to eliminate numerous offenders with such force that they’ll squirm under the pressure – a statement made by a justice within Yoon’s Supreme Prosecutors’ Office, comparable to the U.S. Justice Department, as the president’s policies were unveiled months before Lee’s case gained attention.
In response to the termination of two officers, the Korean National Police Commission announced they would implement robust data protection measures to facilitate the dismissal of officers who improperly handle investigative details. Additionally, members of two opposition parties in the Korean legislature have proposed a bill, temporarily named the Lee Sun-kyun Protection Act, with the aim of enhancing legal safeguards for suspects’ privacy during probes. The bill is currently under consideration within the National Assembly.
Lawyer An remains skeptical that the significant modifications suggested by Bong and his team have been enacted. “If another high-profile drug case were to arise today, wouldn’t the police still be the same?” he queries. “I highly doubt it,” he continues. “The fundamental problems haven’t been resolved. The culture of meritocracy within the police department remains unaltered, as does their approach to handling sensitive celebrity cases, particularly drug cases.
In order for the human rights of prominent individuals to be treated with greater sensitivity when faced with accusations, it’s crucial that the deeply entrenched social stigma and harshly punitive approach towards drug use in Korea undergo a transformation, asserts An.
People not from Korea might find it surprising, but Korea doesn’t have any dedicated drug rehabilitation facilities,” he notes. “Our focus is on punishing and convicting drug-related offenses rather than viewing drug users as patients requiring care and appropriate treatment.
Advocates in local public health have additionally noted that it’s not surprising that the Korean population, under pressure from their demanding careers and social lives, may resort to self-medication. In fact, South Korea is often recognized as one of the world’s leading countries in terms of per capita alcohol consumption and binge drinking.
According to Dr. Lee Hae-kook from the Korean Academy of Addiction Psychiatry, who works at Uijeongbu St. Mary’s Hospital, South Korea is characterized by a high number of individuals grappling with alcohol addiction in their daily lives. He made this statement during an interview with the Hankyoreh newspaper for a feature on the topic.
When Korean celebrities occasionally use controlled substances, they often prefer ones that offer a trance-like escape rather than joy – another sign of the intense psychological stresses they experience. Over the past decade, numerous Korean celebrities and prominent business figures have been apprehended for illegally and without prescription using propofol, the potent anesthetic famously linked to Michael Jackson’s accidental death. Contrary to being a party aid, this drug appears to function as a sanctuary for the most distressed members of the affluent class who seek temporary respite from their thoughts.
Individuals who have been accused of repeatedly abusing the anesthetic drug propofol, often by paying doctors illegally to administer it multiple times over several months or years, include popular actors Yoo Ah-in, Hyun Young, Park Si-yeon, Lee Seung-yeon, and Jang Mi In Ae; actor Ha Jung-woo; as well as Samsung Group heir Lee Jae-yong.
In the year 2021, Wheesung, also known as Choi Whee-sung and famed for being one of the pioneers of R&B in K-pop, was convicted for buying and using propofol. He faced a fine instead of jail time, but still suffered the typical consequences that follow such scandals – extensive media coverage, online harassment, dwindling career prospects. On March 10, 2025, his body was discovered in his apartment within Seoul’s Gwangjin-gu District; the authorities have yet to determine the cause of death.
Hong Sung-jin, a specialist in anesthesiology and pain medicine at Bucheon St. Mary’s Hospital, points out that drugs like cocaine, heroin, and marijuana are generally harder for ordinary Koreans to obtain. Conversely, individuals, especially celebrities, may have more frequent encounters with propofol due to its common use as anesthesia in cosmetic surgeries, which are quite prevalent in South Korea.
According to Hong, this substance might attract people experiencing significant stress due to its calming properties. It has the ability to cause a person to momentarily forget their worries and awaken feeling revitalized.
The demand for a kinder approach to drug policies is increasingly being heard within Korea’s expanding circle of mental health advocates.
Chung, a psychiatrist at Maum Clinic, advocates for eliminating the social stigma surrounding mental health issues and substance abuse,” he says. “Previously, anti-drug campaigns often conveyed the harsh message that one use of drugs would ruin your life. However, Chung believes this strategy is misguided.
He notes: “For famous individuals, being branded as a drug addict could potentially mark the demise of their careers. One might wonder about the impact on real drug users when encountering such a campaign; it seemingly extinguishes any prospect for rehabilitation.
This year, South Korea’s most renowned celebrity, who faced a setback due to a drug-related conviction, unexpectedly got a highly unusual chance for redemption – it manifested as the leading role in the nation’s longest-running and most beloved television program of all time.
Choi Seung-hyun, popularly known as T.OP., gained immense popularity as the main rapper in the successful K-pop band BIGBANG around the turn of the millennium. In 2017, during his military service break from acting and music, accusations emerged that Choi had smoked marijuana four times over the past year at home with a young woman. Initially denying these allegations, Choi later admitted to them and received a 10-month prison sentence. The day after being indicted, he was found unconscious due to an overdose of benzodiazepine prescribed for his anxiety, nearly taking his life. As with any scandal, the backlash was swift, and Choi’s once dedicated fanbase turned against him, making him a target of widespread social media criticism.
He acknowledged that his actions caused harm to his teammates, the organization, the public, his fans, and his family, stating this in a statement issued by YG Entertainment, his management company,” he said back then. “I will carry the remorse from this for countless generations.
For eight long years, Choi faced a ban from the entire Korean entertainment industry. However, this changed with the creation of the second season of “Squid Game“.
Hwang Dong-hyuk, the creative mind behind the globally successful death-game series that continues to be Netflix’s most viewed title ever, made a daring decision to revive Choi’s career by selecting him for a crucial antagonist role in the second season of Squid Game. Following the announcement of his casting, it became clear that the ex-pop star and actor continued to be a subject of controversy. In response, local broadcaster MBC censored his face during a segment about the return of Squid Game on its popular morning show, Live This Morning.
In the interviews he’s given for Squid Game, Choi has only shown politeness, remorse for his past, and gratitude for his second chance. If his casting in this series signifies progress in Korea’s often unforgiving celebrity culture, it comes with some caveats. Industry insiders have pointed out that the production of Squid Game is not by a Korean studio or network, but U.S.-owned Netflix. Additionally, the character Choi portrays – Thanos – is a controversial figure: he’s a drug-addicted, heavily tattooed celebrity rapper, which some viewers might see as an exaggerated and harsh stereotype of the worst aspects of Choi’s personal life. In one scene, Thanos, played by Choi, gleefully takes drugs from a hidden stash while planning a malicious scheme against his rivals, and another character cautions a young friend not to emulate Thanos because “Once you start using it, you can never be normal again.
In a conversation with The Hollywood Reporter following the debut of Squid Game’s second season, Choi admitted that his role as Thanos was designed to be an over-the-top villain who audiences would love to despise. He certainly delivered, embodying the rapper with a mix of intimidation, foolishness, and offensive theatrics. However, Choi revealed that playing this character also brought him personal distress.
In all honesty, performing scenes where Thanos uses drugs during filming wasn’t easy given the hundreds of people around and the personal nature of those moments. It wouldn’t be truthful to say it was a breeze because it forced me to confront a part of myself that inflicted great pain,” he explained. “My 20s were a time of immense love and support, followed by a dramatic fall. This unique journey plunged me into profound darkness.
Additionally, Choi wishes his audience would recall that, unlike the bumbling persona behind his songs on the program, which often come across as awkward and uncomfortable, he has consistently approached his music with genuine enthusiasm and sincerity.
For nearly eight years, he’s been solely dedicated to composing music, as he explains to THR. In the depths of intense struggle, he found his purpose again through music creation and it aided him in regaining his footing. Currently, his sole aim is to distribute this music to his fans – all those who he deeply hurt in the past.
You can find this article in the May 7 edition of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. To stay updated, consider subscribing.
Read More
- Castle Duels tier list – Best Legendary and Epic cards
- AOC 25G42E Gaming Monitor – Our Review
- CRK Boss Rush guide – Best cookies for each stage of the event
- Mini Heroes Magic Throne tier list
- Grimguard Tactics tier list – Ranking the main classes
- Fortress Saga tier list – Ranking every hero
- Outerplane tier list and reroll guide
- Call of Antia tier list of best heroes
- Best Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered sex mods for 2025
- Ludus promo codes (April 2025)
2025-05-21 16:31