Tributes have been paid to Lee Sun-kyun, the South Korean star of the Oscar-winning Parasite who was found dead yesterday in his car.

According to a report issued by South Korea's Yonhap news agency, the 48-year-old left "a note that reads like a will."

It had been a turbulent few months for Lee who was dropped from a series of productions after it was revealed that he was being investigated by police over his alleged illegal drug use. The plot thickened when the actor claimed he was being blackmailed over the claims.

After undergoing nineteen hours of interrogation this week, Lee said: "I ask that the police make a good judgment about whose side's statements are credible between me and the blackmailers."

"Lee was praiseworthy in Parasite and exceptional in My Mister," Korean-American writer Min Jin Lee reflects. "May he be remembered for his excellent work and creative gifts."

Hot Press Film Editor Roe McDermott gave a big 'thumbs up' to Parasite in 2022: https://www.hotpress.com/film-tv/film-review-oscar-best-picture-winner-parasite-excoriating-tragicomedy-22805277

Here are some of the other online tributes to a remarkable talent:

Actor Lee Sun-kyun
( 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. pic.twitter.com/3dQLS5dXST

— Min Jin Lee (@minjinlee11) December 27, 2023

Lee Sun-kyun, the famed “Parasite” actor who just took his own life, was one of my favorite Korean actors.

Korea has the highest suicide rate in the world, and every time a tragedy like this occurs, the standard response seems to be a copy-and-paste of “call the helpline if you… pic.twitter.com/8en1riOdtJ

— Stephen Park (@theasianboss) December 28, 2023

Crushed at the loss of Lee Sun-Kyun. Absolutely superb performer. I fell head over heels for him in #MyMister and never forgot him. He seemed like such a deep and gentle soul. The culture of judgement and crippling shame in Korea needs to stop. pic.twitter.com/O2RcKwvEtS

— meroboh 🥞 mask so ♿️ can exist safely in public (@meroboh) December 27, 2023

Here are some Lee Sun-kyun films and TV series streaming:

⁃Parasite (Max)
⁃A Hard Day (Vudu)
⁃Hong Sang-soo films (VOD)
⁃My Mister, Jo Pil-ho, Diary of a Prosecutor (Netflix)
⁃Helpless, Kingmaker, A Special Lady, The Advocate (Tubi)
⁃Dr. Brain (Apple TV+)
⁃Payback (Prime) pic.twitter.com/NcHG1F5E2e

— Film Festival (@LifeIsAFilmFest) December 27, 2023