Posthumous Honor for Late Actor Lee Sun-kyun with ‘Korean Film Achievement Award’ at 29th Busan International Film Festival 2024

An homage was paid to the late actor Lee Sun-kyun during the 29th Busan International Film Festival (BIFF). The prestigious award ceremony celebrated Lee Sun-kyun’s remarkable contributions to cinema by posthumously awarding him the Achievement Award.

The ceremony occurred at the iconic Busan Cinema Center in Haeundae-gu on October 3, 2024. A special retrospective program titled A Kind Person, Lee Sun-kyun was showcased to honor his legacy and extensive body of work.

Actors Park Bo-young and Ahn Jae-hong hosted the festival’s opening ceremony, paying tribute to the late actor by presenting a montage of his finest performances. This emotional tribute resonated with many attendees, including famed South Korean actors Song Joong-ki and Ha Yoon-kyung.

Following the video, co-host Park Bo-young expressed,

“It was such a heartbreaking farewell. I hope you have found peace, just as the final message of My Mister conveys.”(as reported by Sports Chosun).

Co-host Ahn Jae-hong reflected,

“In memory of the late Lee Sun-kyun, this year’s festival will showcase six of his most representative films. I hope it will serve as a meaningful time to remember his legacy. I will personally deliver this award to his bereaved family.”

For those unfamiliar, Lee Sun-kyun tragically passed away on December 27, 2023, after being found deceased in his car. The acclaimed actor was celebrated for his performance in the Oscar-winning film Parasite, along with notable roles in dramas such as My Mister, Project Silence, and Sleep.

Exploring the Tragic Death of Korea’s Beloved Actor, Lee Sun-kyun

On December 27, 2023, reports indicated that the Parasite actor appeared to have taken his own life, with his body discovered in his vehicle by law enforcement. VnExpress International reported that a suicide note was located by his wife, who subsequently contacted the police.

In October 2023, the actor faced allegations of drug abuse which resulted in an intense police investigation and public scrutiny lasting several months. When a woman accused him of drug usage, the situation escalated, leading to an official inquiry.

The Korea Herald reported that all drug tests conducted on the late actor by the National Forensic Service returned negative results. Allegedly, he had informed the police about two women who were blackmailing him, demanding 350 million won (over $262,032).

On the day prior to his death, he reportedly requested a polygraph test to prove his innocence; however, his request was not granted by the police.

Following his death, law enforcement discovered that the two women had fabricated the drug abuse claims and had been extorting him financially. Additionally, one of the women had six prior drug-related convictions, as per Yonhap News. The identities of the women have been withheld, and they were later prosecuted on charges of extortion and blackmail in January 2024.

Lee Sun-kyun leaves behind his wife, actress Jeon Hye-jin, and their two children. His final film, Land of Happiness, premiered on August 14, 2024.

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