'Parasite' director, South Korean artists urge probe into handling of actor case

A group of South Korean film makers, actors and industry officials, including "Parasite" director Bong Joon-ho, on Friday called for a probe into the handling by police and media of drug abuse allegations involving late actor Lee Sun-kyun.

Lee, who shot to global fame with his performance as the wealthy patriarch in the Oscar-winning film "Parasite", was found dead last month in an apparent suicide.

Bong and more than a dozen other film, music and entertainment industry figures held a news conference in Seoul, urging authorities to look into whether police handled Lee's case without violating security and privacy rules.

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Since his case was first reported by a local newspaper citing a police official, Lee suffered attacks on his reputation due to constant leaks about the investigation even after multiple drug tests turned negative, they said.

They also denounced "sensational" coverage by some news outlets and YouTubers focusing on Lee's private life using unverified information, calling it "yellow journalism."

"We call for a fact-finding probe into whether there were any security problems regarding the police investigation," Bong said, reading a statement signed by more than 2,000 artists and 29 industry associations.

"We're asking the press and media," singer-songwriter Yoon Jong-shin said, "Wasn't your coverage sensational highlighting someone's private life just because he was a pop culture artist?"

Calls to Incheon police which investigated Lee went unanswered. Its chief has denied violating security rules while expressing regret over his death.

Lee's death rekindled criticism from the entertainment industry and the public over the often harsh and public nature of any criminal investigations involving celebrities which fuelled media coverage and pressure on them.

• South Korea police defend probe of 'Parasite' actor who was found dead