Lee Sun Kyun
Info
🙂 Native Name: 이선균 (Lee Sun Kyun)
🌏 Nationality: South Korean
♂️ Gender: Male
🎂 Born: March 2, 1975
🏠 Birth Place: Seoul, South Korea
🌌 Zodiac Sign: Pisces
📏 Height: 5 Feet 11 Inch (180 cm)
💍 Spouse: Jeon Hye-jin (m. May 23, 2009)
👶 Children: Two sons, Lee Rook (born November 25, 2009) and Lee Roon (born August 9, 2011)
Biography
Lee Sun Kyun, a household name in South Korea and internationally recognized for his role in the Academy Award-winning film “Parasite,” has built a prolific career that spans over two decades. Born on March 2, 1975, in Seoul, South Korea, he embarked on his acting journey with a debut in a short film in 2000, quickly establishing himself with his versatile acting skills. His early career saw him take on a variety of roles, from a passionate chef in “Pasta” to a conflicted doctor in “White Tower,” showcasing his range and depth as an actor. Notably, his performances have been celebrated for their authenticity, earning him critical acclaim and a loyal fan base.
Lee’s breakthrough came with the romantic comedy-drama “Coffee Prince” in 2007, where he played Choi Han-sung, earning him widespread recognition and solidifying his status as a leading man in Korean entertainment. This role was a departure from his earlier, more serious roles and displayed his ability to tackle diverse characters, contributing to the drama’s massive success both domestically and internationally. His career continued to flourish with roles in art-house films and mainstream cinema alike, working with renowned director Hong Sang-soo on multiple occasions and demonstrating his commitment to both commercial and critically acclaimed projects.
2019 marked a pinnacle in Lee’s career with his role as Park Dong-ik in “Parasite,” directed by Bong Joon-ho. The film’s unprecedented success, including winning the Palme d’Or at Cannes and the Academy Award for Best Picture, brought Lee and his co-stars to global attention. “Parasite” not only highlighted societal issues but also showcased the depth of talent in South Korean cinema, with Lee’s performance receiving accolades for its subtlety and power.
Off-screen, Lee’s personal life has been equally fulfilling. Married to actress Jeon Hye-jin since 2009, the couple shares two sons, Lee Rook and Lee Roon, born in 2009 and 2011, respectively. Lee has often been regarded as a family man, balancing a demanding career with his personal life. However, his life took a tragic turn with his untimely death in 2023, amidst allegations of drug use and an ongoing investigation. His death has sparked conversations about the pressures of fame and the mental health challenges faced by public figures in South Korea, leaving a legacy that extends beyond his cinematic achievements
Hobbies
- Culinary Exploration: Inspired by his role in “Pasta,” he developed a love for exploring different cuisines and cooking techniques, often experimenting with recipes at home.
- Photography: Enjoyed capturing moments from his travels and daily life, finding beauty in ordinary scenes with a keen eye for detail.
- Music: Played the guitar during his downtime, using music as a form of relaxation and expression.
- Reading: Had an extensive collection of novels and non-fiction, preferring to unwind with a good book.
- Hiking: Found peace and solitude in nature, often going on hikes to disconnect from the bustling life of an actor.
Interests
- Film Direction and Production: Expressed interest in the behind-the-scenes aspects of filmmaking, aiming to direct or produce projects.
- Environmental Conservation: Advocated for environmental issues, showing a keen interest in sustainability practices.
- Art: Enjoyed visiting art galleries and exhibitions, with a particular interest in contemporary Korean art.
- Travel: Had a bucket list of countries he wanted to visit, interested in exploring different cultures and landscapes.
- Theater: Remained passionate about the theater, often attending performances and considering stage roles that challenged him artistically.
Facts
- Academy Award Winner: Part of the “Parasite” ensemble that won the Academy Award for Best Picture, marking a significant achievement in his career.
- Versatile Actor: Known for his versatility, seamlessly transitioning between genres from comedy to drama.
- International Recognition: Gained international fame through “Parasite,” introducing him to audiences worldwide.
- Education: Graduated from the Korea National University of Arts, where he honed his acting skills.
- Industry Veteran: With a career spanning over two decades, he established himself as a respected figure in the Korean entertainment industry.
Secrets
- Method Acting: Often used method acting techniques to fully immerse himself in his roles, sometimes keeping these methods a secret to maintain the authenticity of his performance.
- Charity Work: Participated in charity and volunteer work, preferring to keep these activities private to focus on the cause rather than personal publicity.
- Personal Rituals: Had personal rituals before performances to help focus his mind and reduce anxiety, rarely sharing these practices even with close colleagues.
- Inspirational Sources: Drew inspiration from unlikely sources for his roles, including personal experiences and observations of everyday life, keeping the specifics to himself to maintain an element of mystery in his performances.
- Creative Writing: Enjoyed writing short stories and scripts in his free time, a secret passion that he rarely shared publicly.
Funny Things
- On-Set Pranks: Known among co-stars for his sense of humor, often lightening the mood on set with pranks.
- Impersonations: Had a talent for impersonating fellow actors and public figures, bringing laughter to interviews and gatherings.
- Unexpected Talents: Surprised friends and fans with his unexpected talents, such as a knack for magic tricks or playing unusual musical instruments.
- Quirky Habits: Possessed quirky habits that amused those around him, like narrating everyday activities as if he were in a film.
- Comedic Timing: Even in dramatic roles, he found ways to inject humor, showcasing his comedic timing and bringing a unique lightness to serious scenes.
Fears
- Typecasting: Feared being typecast in similar roles, always looking for projects that challenged him and allowed him to explore different facets of his acting ability.
- Public Perception: Concerned about the public perception affecting his family, always striving to balance his personal and professional life.
- Loss of Creativity: Feared losing his creative edge, continuously seeking out new experiences and education to stay inspired.
- Health Issues: Worried about the impact of a demanding career on his health, often speaking about the importance of maintaining physical and mental well-being.
- Legacy: Concerned about the legacy he would leave behind, both as an actor and a person, hoping to be remembered for his contributions to the arts and society.
News
- Tragic End: South Korean actor Lee Sun Kyun, renowned for his role in the Oscar-winning movie “Parasite,” passed away at 48 under tragic circumstances. His death is being treated as a suspected suicide, found in a car at a park in Seoul.
- Investigation Underway: At the time of his death, Lee was under police investigation for alleged illegal drug use, highlighting the intense pressure he faced and sparking discussions on South Korea’s stringent drug laws.
- A Celebrated Career: Lee Sun Kyun was celebrated for his versatile acting skills, demonstrated in a variety of roles from a wealthy patriarch in “Parasite” to a genius neuroscientist in “Dr. Brain,” earning acclaim both domestically and internationally.
- Personal Loss: He is survived by his wife, actress Jeon Hye-jin, and their two sons, leaving behind a family mourning their significant loss amidst the unfolding scandal.
- Legacy and Reflection: Lee Sun Kyun’s untimely death casts a spotlight on the pressures of fame and the challenges within the entertainment industry, prompting a broader conversation on celebrity well-being and the impact of public scrutiny
Movies
Music / OST
Lee Sun Kyun, primarily known for his acting prowess and significant roles in South Korean cinema and television, does not have a widely recognized music career. Most of his fame and accolades come from his performances in films such as “Parasite,” television shows like “My Mister,” and other notable works within the acting sphere. His roles often showcase a wide range of emotions and depth, earning him critical acclaim both domestically and internationally.
While Lee Sun Kyun has showcased his singing ability in various television dramas and perhaps in some movie roles, these instances are more aligned with his acting projects rather than an independent music career. It’s common for actors in the South Korean entertainment industry to display multiple talents, including singing, as part of their roles in musical dramas or character-driven storylines where music plays a key component.
Moreover, Lee Sun Kyun’s voice has a distinct and recognizable quality, which has likely contributed to any musical performances he’s undertaken in his acting roles. However, these performances should be seen as extensions of his acting rather than a separate music career.
For fans and audiences interested in exploring every facet of Lee Sun Kyun’s talent, it might be worthwhile to look into soundtracks or specific episodes of dramas where he lent his voice to a character’s musical performance. Yet, it’s essential to remember that Lee Sun Kyun is celebrated primarily for his contributions to acting, with any musical performances serving to complement his extensive portfolio as an actor rather than define a separate career path in music.
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