Bong stated, “We demand a thorough investigation to determine if there were any security lapses in the police’s handling of the deceased’s case from the initial leak of information to his death two months later.” (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
SEOUL, Jan. 13 (Korea Bizwire) –Prominent figures in the Korean cultural and arts community, including director Bong Joon-ho, have called for a thorough investigation into the death of actor Lee Sun-kyun, who committed suicide amidst a police investigation for alleged drug use.
On January 12, the newly-formed Association of Solidarity of Cultural Artists held a press conference at the Press Center in Jung-gu, Seoul, and released a statement calling for a detailed inquiry into the matter.
Bong, who worked with Lee on the film ‘Parasite,’ along with actor Kim Eui-sung, singer Yoon Jong-shin, and director Lee Won-tae, took turns reading the statement. Directors Jang Hang-jun and actor Choi Deok-moon were also present.
Bong stated, “We demand a thorough investigation to determine if there were any security lapses in the police’s handling of the deceased’s case from the initial leak of information to his death two months later.”
Bong emphasized the need for a detailed examination of how certain investigation details, which were reported by KBS after Lee was cleared of drug use by the National Forensic Service, were disclosed.
Yoon referred to a KBS report that disclosed Lee’s private conversations, questioning whether the broadcast was truly in the public’s right to know, and demanding the deletion of the article.
He added, “How long must we remain silent about the behavior of so-called ‘cyber wreckers,’ including some YouTubers who maliciously leak unverified sources or focus solely on sensationalizing issues without adequate investigation or confirmation?”
The Association of Solidarity of Cultural Artists has asked the government and National Assembly to amend and create laws prohibiting the public disclosure of criminal cases and protecting human rights.
Lee Won-tae argued that even if the investigative authorities’ procedures were lawful, the government and National Assembly should not remain silent on this matter, calling for clear legislative improvements to prevent such incidents from happening again.
The Association of Solidarity of Cultural Artists plans to deliver the statement to Speaker of the National Assembly Kim Jin-pyo, the Korean National Police Agency, and KBS.
The association was formed amidst a consensus in the cultural and arts community on the need to address issues in the investigation and reporting processes related to Lee Sun-kyun and to prevent such incidents from recurring.
The late actor Lee Sun-kyun
The statement was created with the support of over 2,000 industry professionals, including the Korean Film Producers Association, the Korean Independent Film Association, the Korean Film Directors Guild, the Korean Broadcasting Actors Union, the Korean Management Federation, and others.
Actor Kim Eui-sung explained the rationale behind the formation of the association and the release of the statement, stating, “The deceased was exposed to the media without any protection for over two months since being charged on October 23 last year. We believe it is our duty to clarify our position on the harsh character assassination he suffered.”
The association announced plans for future activities, including actively cooperating with all organizations to establish a so-called ‘Lee Sun-kyun Prevention Law’ in response to the incident.
The press conference ended without taking questions from the approximately 300 domestic and foreign journalists present.
Lee had been under police investigation for alleged drug use since October last year and was found unresponsive in a parked car in Seongbuk-gu on December 27. He had maintained his innocence throughout the investigation and requested a lie detector test the day before his death.
Following his death, there has been criticism over the media’s reporting of his personal life unrelated to the drug allegations and the police’s public summoning.
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
