*SUBSCRIBER FREEBIE* The Tragic Death of 'Parasite' Star Lee Sun-kyun

CW: This episode contains discussion of suicide.

Lee Sun-kyun was already a household name in Korea when the critically acclaimed film "Parasite" took home the Oscar for Best Picture. Korea has strict moral standards when it comes to their citizens, and a celebrity who is constantly in the spotlight is sure to have their every move examined under a microscope. Such was the case for Lee Sun-kyun when a pair of opportunists decided to take advantage of their relationship with the actor for their own personal gain, leading to tragic results.

Episode Sources:

“Suspicion Grows Over 'Parasite' Actor's Death” by Ryan Smith, Newsweek, Jan 12, 2024

“Death of ‘Parasite’ star puts spotlight on pressures facing South Korean celebrities” by Tara Subramaniam and Yoonjung Seo, CNN, Dec 29, 2023

“South Korea is reckoning with the death of beloved 'Parasite' actor Lee Sun-kyun” by Ayesha Rascoe, NPR, Jan 7, 2024

“South Korean actor Lee Sun-kyun of Oscar-winning film ‘Parasite’ is found dead” by Hyung-Jin Kim, AP News, Dec 27, 2023

“Could ‘Parasite’ Star Lee Sun-kyun’s Death Lead to a Social Reckoning in Korea?” by Rebecca Sun, The Hollywood Reporter, Jan 3, 2024

“‘Parasite’ Star Lee Sun-kyun Dead at 48” by Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, Dec 27, 2023

“Lee Sun-kyun, ‘Parasite’ Actor, Found Dead at 48” by John Yoon, The New York Times, Dec 28, 2023

“Lee Sun-kyun: A quiet farewell for Parasite star who died in the spotlight” by Jake Kwon, Nick Marsh and Nicholas Yong, BBC, Dec 29, 2023

“The two women who drove Lee Sun Gyun to his death sent to prosecution” ALLKPOP, Jan 5, 2024

“Jail for blackmailers who extorted from late South Korean actor Lee Sun-kyun” by Sherlyn Sim, The Straits Times, Dec 20, 2024

“Actor Lee Sun-kyun’s alleged blackmailer taken into custody” The Straits Times, Dec 28, 2023