K-actor Lee Seon Kyun Passes Away After Committing Suicide
I audibly gasped and am absolutely in total shock hearing this news. This morning December 27th in Seoul K-actor Lee Seon Kyun was found by police unresponsive in his car. Early news reports just said he was unconscious when found but shortly thereafter police confirmed he had passed away. He was 48 years old and leaves behind his wife actress Jeon Hye Jin and their two kids. He had been under police investigation for the last two months for illegal drug use that stemmed from the madam of the bar trying to blackmail him to keep the news quiet. It all went public and he let go from a movie that was about to start filming. The investigation results of hair tests did not reveal additional drug use remnants from earlier months. But in image conscious South Korea, choosing to unalive oneself is unfortunately common especially for public individuals where reputation is paramount. Lee Seon Kyun was an award winning actor with a dozen dramas and another dozen and more movies under his belt and the image of a loving husband and doting dad so this drug scandal was quite a shocking blow. I am so devastated he was an amazing actor and in Hollywood a pot and going to a hostess bar scandal would have no impact on his career whatsoever and for me personally it’s not a dealbreaker. Condolences to his family and friends.
Those judgemental K-netz were still talking shit about him just a few days ago. Wonder what they feels now. Perhaps nothing. Most are acting as moral police for things that got nothing to do with them, know very little about and judging them like they are some saints. But what they typed on internet have affected how many life? that’s the funny thing. Are they better than those who they shamed on internet? I would say nope
They still talking shit about him,i saw it on twitter
Was it suicide? Was it the doing of someone who wanted to shut him up? Hope the autopsy is revealed soon. I am shocked!
German media and the Guardian say his wife found a suicide note. So devastating news. Loved him and his voice so much.
I was audibly gasped too both my brother in law and my husband asked whats’s wrong. Gosh he’s one of the actors that I like for his acting and his works.
RIP
Just a few days ago, those K-netz still talking shit about him. Wonder how they would feel now? I suppose, nothing since they are used to this
This is part of the reason why I stay away from the K-ent. Too judgemental society for my taste. Too many power given to the internet moral police whose words can kill life easily. Funnily, these moral police always judging others who are nothing to do with them and for things they know little about and it cause suicides. Are these people even better than those they are judging daily?
Shocking. Feels like the death of innocence and the passing of an era.
I knew this would happen. Compassion and pity for those who have transgressed (what’s it to any of us if he cheated on his wife or used recreational drugs? That’s a matter for the law and his family) is sorely lacking in South Korea. I wonder how many fake tears people will cry now that their objective has been achieved.
Oh god. This is shocking. I have always liked him as an actor. RIP.
Omg, I cannot believe this. How desperate he must have been to see his career and home life being destroyed.
I’m shocked!!! It’s so sad that such a talented person ends up like this
Wow that’s awful. Drug addiction is a disease. Instead of empathy, the stigma is terrible for those who are suffering. My thoughts are with his family and poor kids.
It is suicide. Typical response by koreans. You know why I hate this? I blame the rabid media backlash over what is a personal drug use. Mental health doesn’t exist in Korean. One minute he was doing great, next everything taken away. He probably faced pressure internally as well. This is one case I say media or knetz murdered him. He didn’t need to die. All the Robert Downey Jr’s in Korea will need to die before they can reform. Congrats to k entertainment, the most toxic workplace ever.
One thing that call my attention is that people are ignoring the accusations against him related to prostituition and other illegal activities. And he is not the only male celebrity involved.
Who cares? How did that harm you personally? Get a life. Nothing excuses someone being hounded into committing suicide.
One doesn’t need to be personally harmed to care. It’s you who needs to get a life and to get off your damn high horse. You “knew” this would happen? Sureeee you did.
It’s okay to feel sorry for the tragic loss of someone and also not forget the illegal things they’ve committed. Those two aren’t mutually exclusive.
@Butterfly
Um, ok. You’re welcome to feel angry about his crimes. We don’t care.
@Rina
Umm ok. You’re welcome to feel angry at the world and how you “knew this would happen”. We don’t care.
@butterfly
I do hope someone you love does something wrong and proceeds to end their lives. A-holes like you deserves pain, hope you and everyone you love suffer.
The drug abuse has not been proven in a court of law and the prostitution is speculative based on his text with the madam.
These were not crimes that harmed a person even if he was guilty. He could have rehabilitated and grew into a better person. He did not deserve the hate directed at him
This. Innocent until proven guilty.
Never heard about prostitution or illegal activities. I heard about affair. None of which deserves tbe indignity of public lynching he went thru.
he admitted going to a brothel in the initial interview. It came out of his own stupid mouth.
Aww. I was scared something like this might happen. He was a great actor. Condolences to his family.
WOW. at a lost of words…that famous voice of his…never again we’ll hear. Damn…
Oh my word! I feel so sorry for his poor wife and children. What a horrific end of the year to a horrible few months. If only he had put them first before getting into this dreadful mess in the first place he could have been happily celebrating Christmas and New Year with them instead of this tragic ending 🙁
I am just as shocked as all of you. But the people I feel sorry for are his wife and 2 sons. Who already got sent off to USA, when the scandal broke out. How bewildering for them, and now their DAd’s death on top of it all.
This is the second suicide today – HK actress Bonnie Lai, also decided to end it by charcoal briquette carbon monoxide. She had 2 children from a pervious marriage to one of Jackie Chan’s stunt team actors and another 2 sons with current husband.
And one of those 2 sons found her.
RIP and hope they find the peace they’re seeking .
This.
There are bad choices that has been made here but ultimately I am praying for his kids and wife. They are the true victims in all this. I hope the media and netizens respect them and give them space.
May he rest in peace.
That’s really sad news… I did like him a lot as an actor.
Ooh my goodness this is awful. There are rumors of him possibly cheating on his wife so he must have felt his whole world falling apart. It’s heart breaking to think the pain he was going through before making such a drastic and permanent decision. Even if there was the comments from netizens were so vicious.
There were so many other options including retiring early and moving to a small quiet country with possibility of coming back a decade later.
I audibly gasped too. So shocking and so heartbreaking. Condolences to his family and friends and I really hope they aren’t harassed by the media during this difficult time.
I am shedding tears at the moment, Korean people are so toxic towards him, that I am sooo mad and not going to watch Korean drama anymore.
girl, don’t waste your tears on some actors who didn’t even know you duh. You would regret it
I woke up to this news in shock… I feel he really should go thru trial at who knows what the outcome is. He is one of my favourite Korean actor from Coffee Prince days. Thank many project after…i really enjoyed Pasta amongst many. His transition from Dramas to MOvie was very steady…all based on his skill.
But as a person… he did fail as a husband and father… he disappointed his loved ones most and his very loyal fans who supported him all these years. Drugs or not, the fact he went to a hostess house is bad enough. His image is damaged.
But I personally find SK proceeds of forcing artistes to endure huge public humiliation during investigation and questioning on way to police station very wrong. I really feel artistes really should not be humiliated before a proper trial. Questioning by police should be a done without all these Press around… Unlike the start of trail…Press presences are to be expected.
I may be alone with this thought here…
I am also a disappointed fan of Lee Seon Kyun for being involved with a bar hostess etc…but I feel he still deserve a fair trial before being publicly prosecuted by media.
I feel sad for his family…
Oh the scumbag you are. You wrote so much of crap about him on the other posts and now you are shocked. You are such a hypocrite and scumbag. Hope bad karma for hypocrite like you.
I wrote crap about him in other post?? another who like to attack with no evidence. Goodness, he is a very good actor who have worked his way from nobody to somebody for over 20yrs. He graft his career very steadily and there is no one who can say he took shortcuts. I watch all his dramas and movies and even the variety shows he participated. I am very sad such a talent is gone.
But as a husband and a man, he broke his vows to his wife. Is he guilty of drug taking, I dont know, until he had gone thru trial, it is not for me to judge. But going to bar hostess house repeated times is just hurting his wife and family and the Image he built all these decades. What a shame.
I still stand my grounds, SK have a custom of publicly humiliating public figures during questioning proceed. It is just supports witch hunting. He should be given privacy during questioning proceeds. It should not be done with swamps of reporters around as he enters the police station. As a human, he has rights everyone has. Not guilty till proven.
Karma on those who throw random venom at others, a troll thru and thru. Troll others… you attention seeker
You scumbag can go look at the other comments you have posted.
Please tell me how you can judge him by saying he broke the vows with his wife? He did multiple drug tests which came back negative. There is no proof that he was unfaithful. Even his wife was supporting him. But you the scumbag of the century commented trash who the hell are you.
You are a piece of trash. Uncivilised scumbag brought up by lumps of trash.
Hope nothing but the worst for you.
You trash scumbag.
Bye, troll…… Sorry but I really dont love you even thru you profess to me so many times, demanding my attention.. I know you try many many times thru out this blog to profess your love for me…Thank you.
Why are you disappointed, are you his wife or what? Fail as a father – are you his child to say that?
Very loyal fans – very loyal fans don’t think
about that things, when they read this news.
Man did this to himself and all you can talk it’s about his affair.
This is why I have stopped watching Kdramas for a spell now after more than 20+ yrs. The disenchantment is real. The toxicity and bullying from within and without, all the moral hypocrites, rabid and delusional fans who think they can dictate their idols’ lives, beloved actors and actresses wasting away and looking entirely changed right in front of me from too much dieting and cosmetic surgery. Western tv shows are a whole other kaboodle yes but at least they don’t drive their stars to su!cide. I’m so sorry to LSK’s family and the loved ones he had left behind. Whatever he has done he did not deserve to be driven to desperation and to die.
Not gonna lie, this is something that I already expected that is bound to happen to him. I just hope his friends will console the wife and kids he left behind. Best they live outside of SK and thrive in another country.
This is what South Korea does. Rape? No big deal. Exploitation? No big deal.
Weed? You are the antichrist. And don’t say it is just the media. The cops interrogated him for 17 hours straight before he took his own life.
The whole system is so rotten from the inside that they need these celebs to draw attention away from it. Whenever someone lauds Korea I laugh. It’s hell on earth in so many ways.
The police interrogated him for NINETEEN HOURS just recently. He requested for a lie detector test after all his drug test results came out negative. Who knows what even was going on in reality.
What’s certain is is that the media, netizens and the police all hounded this man to the edge. Its truly disgusting how everyone treats these celebs lives as some extended drama and ppl refuse to show any empathy or afford them any privacy when they go through something devastating. Everyone is innocent until proven guilty. Don’t treat them like they’re special, but atleast like fellow human beings when something bad happens instead of rushing to grab the popcorn and joining the dogpile.
I hope G-Dragon dan Yoo Ah In won’t resort to the same conclusion. I really like him as an actor since Coffee Prince.
I woke up to this news in shock. I feel he really should go thru trial at who knows what the outcome is. He is one of my favourite Korean actor from Coffee Prince days. Thank many project after.I really enjoyed Pasta amongst many. His transition from Dramas to MOvie was very steady, all based on his skill.
But as a person, he did fail as a husband and father. He disappointed his loved ones most and his very loyal fans who supported him all these years. Drugs or not, the fact he went to a bar hostess house is bad enough. His image is damaged.
But I personally find SK proceeds of forcing artistes to endure huge public humiliation during investigation and questioning on way to police station very wrong. I really feel artistes really should not be humiliated before a proper trial. Questioning by police should be a done without all these Press around. Unlike the start of trail. Press presences are to be expected.
I may be alone with this thought here.
I am also a disappointed fan of Lee Seon Kyun for being involved with a bar hostess etc, but I feel he still deserve a fair trial before being publicly prosecuted by media.
I feel very sad for his family.
Why are you disappointed, are you his wife or what? “Fail as a father” – are you his child to say that?
“Very loyal fans” – very loyal fans don’t think
about that things, when they read this news about him.
Man did this to himself and all you can talk it’s about his affair.
Whatever…
@HL, you’re basically giving out your own verdicts without being on a jury’s seat. The kinds of voices like yours are overwhelmingly loud online in ethnic Asian communities and the scale of pressure on LSK is not something we keyboard nobodies can just casually talk about. Some ppl were strong enough or fortunate to have enough support from whoever or whatever to help go through bullies and rumored accusations like this while some other were not so fortunate and in many cases had mental breakdown to the point that they just took their lives. What chance does one have when life is gone? Be sympathetic and think about if the one going through public humiliation were your loved ones !!!! Would you be so conveniently and easily judging your loved ones with all the rumors but yet without confirmed evidence then? Put yourself in LSK’s shoes!
Based upon my long-term observations of the Asian cultures including the one where I’m from, I realized that Asians are more unforgiving. In the US, there were plenty of testimonies of ppl who did wrong or drug abusers but eventually got over their problems, back on their feet, and could move on with a normal and healthy life. To the opposite, I saw how often Asian ppl always riding on high horses as some self-righteous freak (and in fact a moral a$$hole) very harsh on ppl who are reported or even rumored to be on wrong tracks. I frankly think this unforgiving personality is a mental disease itself and does human being more harms than good.
My verdict is No one should be publicly humiliated by Press before a fair trial… As for being Asian with asian mind. I am Asian and I have Asian mind. Wow, surprising. I even LOVE ASian Movies and dramas, Books and even Asian Food!!!
Even after living in the West for most of my life, I still love being Asian. That is my roots.
You have so much problem with Asians being Asians. But love to attack Asian on Asian entertainment news blogs. OMG, you practise so much racism.
The world is full of different people…you are so caught up in attacking others who are different from you. Grow up, you clearly have not seen enough of the world to understand how to live as one Universe.
@HL, lol. I’m rational enough to recognize my Asian root while not denying all the negatives and weakness coming from my background. But you, like many ethnic Asians while living in the West and taking advantage of all the benefits as a result of western civilization, don’t reflect upon yourselves and your cultural background why your root culture has so much weakness and has caused so many problems in human societies. You can tell me why you chose to settle in Europe rather than your own home town in China!! LOL. Stop being a hypocrite! That’s because you definitely find your current residence provides you more comfort and safety than your own hometown!!!
You, like many airheaded and self-absorbed Chinese, emotionally attached to Chinese culture, but physically enjoy all kinds of goodness from the west as a result of western culture and political systems, have hypocritical pride to your huge ego, so that you have trouble tolerating constructive criticism of inhumane and uncivilized aspects of Asian cultures, specifically Chinese culture. The worst about you is that, it’s so convenient for you to wrongly label me as a racist against my own race just cos I’m scathing about many aspects of Asian cultures, specifically Chinese culture and it hurts your ego that has low self-esteem and lacks ability of critical thinking! So comical.
Not all the aging people have an obdurate mind like yours. I have come across so many respectable elderly whose opinions are valuable and helpful to others at workplace and in my social circles. Sorry to say you’re just not in the same league as these respectable folks. Go live the same as an old hag! No offense!
@Somebody, since I am not born in China, dont see the reason to live there. Place of residence does not change who I am, It is just geography. One is no defined by where they live, it is who they are and what they believe in. Living in East or West have its own issues. It is about adapting and learning new cultures. I moved in so many Countries all my life, Geography dont change me. If I have the chance to live in China, I will be very happy to do so too. Be nomadic is very cool.
You eat into the West is better complex including dissing other Asians, looking down on short actors, looking down on older Asian who do not share similar mindsets or opinion and spreading anti social behaviour when Asians bugs you. You have so many negative complex it is just unbelievable. You are really a piece of work.
There is no point getting into conversations with you as it will always be a long long Monologue that included putting Asians down and spreading White Supremacy ideology. Of course also some anti CCP speech and you have this believe all Chinese you dont like are from China. Another notion that make me laugh…such a narrow and small minded person. The world is full of Chinese that are not from China, never stepped into China nor study under communism system.
@HL, look at how a hypocrite you are! Yes, I appreciate western culture and values, being a proud American, and that’s the reason why my father decided to immigrate to this wonderful land and I’m grateful for his wise decision. I do despise many dark aspects in Chinese culture and traditions that have been rotten for centuries and are still alive in the modern society. LOL. I’m no shy of speaking about that. But you, physically away from China, are mentally attached to whatever Chinese to the point you definitely have very low tolerance of opinions critical of China-relevant, including this face-loving, self-righteous, and judgmental personality that’s so deep rooted in Chinese families, be they physically residing in China or not! You’re from HK that is part of China! Don’t deny it with deranging comments as if you were irrelevant to China. LOL. But all this isn’t the main point. What you have irked other commenters here including me was your judgmental and delirious comments about a deceased who was attacked by all the nasty allegations that were still under investigation but you spoke as if you were the court judge or a jury. So ignorant! On the other hand, you positioned yourself as if you were someone with compassion that’s obviously hypocritical and you are not! LOL
Nobody cares if you respond to me or not but they will read the whole thread and get the picture why ppl were pissed off by your senseless comments! Better train your old hag brain to learn how to be sensitive in a tragic event like this.
@Somebody…whatever…
This is devastating news. The prosecutors who kept leaking from an ongoing investigation, the media that ran with every sensational and defamatory story, and the hateful bullying culture online ALL had a hand in his death. This didn’t need to happen.
I’m so sad just thinking about his wife and kids. May God give them the strength to get through this. And may there be even a semblance of consequences for those responsible.
Oh. My. God!
R. I. P.
To be honest, I Wana say he took the easy way out. It may not be all his fault, the blackmail, investigations etc. But ending his life over all these.. he truly had not put his wife and children above everything else. Perhaps even, his lack of family support is what drove him to this final sad ending. It’s sad when a life ends so meaninglessly. But I feel for his wife and children more than for him. Could things have been different? We will never know. Hopefully everyone will find their own peace.
I do have a genuine question about the ‘lack of family support’. I’ve read comments blaming his wife for not standing by him through this and that was the reason why he committed suicide (which I personally think is Bullshit. As if this blame game thing is not damaging enough that it led to a man’s death, now they want to spill the same hate on a new victim, his wife).
But my question is – what kind of family support should he have received that would make him avoid taking his life? Is it support from his nuclear family or extended family? Could they have prevented the police from holding him for 19 hours for questioning? Ultimately, something happened during that time that broke him and pushed him into making this decision. He was still holding on, up to that point.
Support here means emotional support. I don’t blame his wife at all. Amidst all these, his wife has been trying to keep the family together. There are rumors the wife long ago knows of his infidelity, but for sake of their children has just decided to stay together as a family, rather than a divorce. With all that’s happening, his son having depression, being sent to US to escape the storm, losing his reputation and job/roles, having to pay millions in contract penalty, etc. it’s admittedly too much for his ego and his conscience, and I would think the same for his wife to handle as well. Those are probably more damaging than what knetz could do. Ppl are blaming knetz without considering how the whole family dynamics changed because of the investigations, allegations, blackmail, etc. I don’t doubt his wife probably thinks by her minding the children and other family matters means she has done her best to support him.. but he probably needed the emotional support, being listened to, cry together, etc. lacking which, he probably thinks he has been a burden to his family, a bad father, and even a burden to his agency who had to pay millions in penalty. That’s why his last message to his wife was, ‘There’s no other way than this’. And a message to his agency, ‘im sorry’. It’s sad. He probably just needed someone to be with him during that darkest time.
May you rest in peace. I wish this didn’t have to happen. What horrible news. I am in shock.
The allegations against him, as far as I know, were nothing in comparison to all those sex predators returning to the entertainment business over the years. I get that drug abuse is viewed more harshly than in my own country, but why the lax views on crimes that truly devastate victims? I will never understand this.
He hurt himself and his loved ones with his addiction. May they all find a measure of peace now wherever they are.
Condolences to his family and loved ones.
I am in shock and can’t even comment.
Rest in peace for him 🙏
Seriously, knetz is piece of trash. This is not the first time they bully somebody until suicide 😑 even when genocide happened in Gaza they still have the audiency to mocking it. I feel so sick with them!
This is such a sad news, to come in on the joyous festive like this. I wish he endured n took the hard road instead.
This is really sad news and there is a lot to be discussed on the public humiliation, witch-hunting and harassment that drove him to end it but DO NOT EVER trivialise the crime of drug consumption/ abuse. Your country may be tolerant of it and many of your celebs may look cool to you as potheads but the many parts of Asia have zero tolerance for drugs and for very good reason. Drug consumption, as an epidemic, destroys families and societies. Being lenient with celebrities for drug taking inadvertently creates a culture that does not take drugs seriously or worse, gives the impression to youths that it is cool. Doesn’t matter if it’s a “harmless” drug like weed, drugs are drugs, what’s stopping them from doing harder drugs if the attitude is already flippant? Just don’t impose your values on countries that have decided a harsh stance is needed to protect themselves.
How does all of this allows bullying?
Do you even know that all his drug tests came back negative? This deal is not about a fair investigation, but about abuse of authority.
This is a separate issue from bullying. If he had tested positive, would the bullying then be justified? If the crime was sexual assault, would bullying also be justified? It’s not and I never commented on the harassment he faced. What some comments here seem to be insinuating is that his drug use is not serious and shouldn’t be harshly looked upon which is what I cannot agree with. Harshly looking upon an offence doesn’t give people the right to harass anyone, but unfortunately that’s what the society has evolved into – that’s a different discussion.
But alcohol is a drug, too, and Korea is an alcoholic country through and through. (E.g. watching Ugly Duckling and seeing Lee Dung Geun drinking non-stop in an entertainment show is shocking and disgusting!) Oh, the hypocrisy how different drugs than booze are stigmatized.
So they should legalise other drugs too? Why don’t they just legalise gun ownership too? There are, after all proponents of gun ownership. The drugs are illegal in their country, they understand why it’s illegal. Someone who consumes it is someone who obtained it illegally and I think everyone is clear on all the other vice trades associated with illegal drug trafficking. That is enough reason to stigmatise drugs. I mean, if drugs are legal in your country then you do you.
@Guest
Weed is legal in most western countries now and it has been shown time and again that not only it can bring health benefits but it controls overall addiction levels better. Nobody is saying legalise cocaine or fentanyl. Weed is a completely different thing.
That he was so hounded over weed and sleeping pills is insanity.
in our country, alcohol sales is very limit in sales might due to huge number of muslim living here. Only certain company can sales alcohol, And it shouldn’t sales in small or big market which can access by common citizen. In Indonesia, there is rarely any incident about a drinker causing a chaos in public. And it bring peace to our country!
@Guest – I never said they should legalize drugs, I said the reaction to using drugs is overproportional in relation to the crazy Korean drinking culture. And btw two (!) tests of his for drugs came back negative. In my world someone is innocent until proven guilty. So far nothing convinces me he really took drugs by his own will. He is the victim of a scam, Korean bloodhound media and tough contracts. Poor soul.
If this is your argument, Korea needs to take a good look at themselves too. They shouldn’t look down on countries who do legalize some drugs like weed. Good example, Thailand, I remember k-neitizens were just angry at this decision to legalize weed and refused to “vacation” in Thailand, yet, none of their celebrities have ever been arrested even when the drug was illegal. I don’t see this is the last time someone in his situation would do this because its happened so often, he didn’t die just because of his crimes, he died because he was also bullied by the amount of pressure he was getting. Just to have to say, this isn’t the last time this will happen is heartbreaking.
Isn’t the Thai Govt looking to do a U-turn and rewrite the laws so that cannabis is regulated for medical use only because the problems associated with recreational use have been widespread? That says alot. Nevertheless, it’s a really dumb reason not to vacation in Thailand.
@Guest
In Thailand, as of 2022, its no longer a crime to grow/trade cannibis for medical use and its been legalized since 2018. Its a conversation, but no changes. Even if there were changes, definitely nothing like in Korea.
@Guest, what had mentally harmed and killed LSK might not be illicit substances that your argument focused on, but rather bully and cancel culture so rampant in closed-minded Asian countries like S. Korea and China. Since there’s no evidence directly connected to his death, why don’t you address possible causes to his suicide instead? Rather, you’re ranting and insinuating those countries with more laxed laws on illicit substances that have no direct relation to the sad incident here. I don’t see any logic in your points of argument. But I’m seeing someone just taking chance to vent against countries she’s hostile to.
Any substance abuse (alcohol and smoking included) is bad. But ppl got addicted shouldn’t feel hopeless to the point that they have to take their own lives. Here’s about the seriousness of the consequences: Suicide as a result of bully and cancel culture vs. Being guilty of illicit substance abuse or other scandals and losing reputation or career as a result. You tell me which consequence is more serious and more hopeless?
I’ve repeated that there are 2 separate discussions here – attitudes towards drugs and bullying/ harassment. And yes, I’m not addressing the “main issue” here but that’s my prerogative and there are many other discussions here on this matter you can join in, why am I expected to or are you expecting me to chime in with everyone else on how screwed up SK society is? That seems to be the only accepted position here. I don’t think my affirmation is necessary.
I am a happy law abiding citizen that respects my country’s strict stance on drugs but I have seen time and time again, others that mock and dismiss drug offences as no big deal when these are serious matters in (most of) Asia. Again, if it’s legal in your country, then you do you, it’s really none of my business. Just respect the laws and attitudes towards drugs in Asia. And from a selfish perspective, my tax money should be better spent than being used to deal with a drug crisis, no matter how insignificant my contribution is.
@Guest, I think you’re completely off topic related to LSK’s sad news. Your allegation that other countries have negative impact on Asian countries in substance abuse is 100% fallacy. Show me the statistics or any data that such negative influence originated from other countries! Substance abuse is basically a universal issue across countries. Why do you have a fetish to blame other countries rather than reflect on your own societies for what might have caused substance abuse of your own citizens? You’re ranting randomly and scapegoating for the problem of your own country! Do you know which country is the major manufacture of illicit substance exporting to other countries around the world including the US? CHINA (by hard data and statistics)!!!!!!!!!!!! China is the number one supplier of fentanyl to the United States. China is also the main supplier to Canada and Mexico. Shame on you if you’re Chinese since you’re shifting blame to other countries that do not commit crimes but your country deliberately did that to intoxicate the world. LOL. Yeah! I’m laughing at ignoramuses who made uncalled-for comments on a blog about the death of a prominent actor.
So sad . he was a great actor, and just because he took drugs…he didn’t kill anyone, but he was treated as a murderer . His mental couldn’t overcome all that pressure . Mental health stills a taboo , he should have seek for medical and family help but that’s Korea ! I don’t know how his marriage was doing but he left 2 sons and a wife , and it’s for them that i feel for the most . They are going to live with the fact that their father choose suicide instead of fighting for them . I understand why he did it but at the same time it’s unfair for his family who is left with heavy pain, frustration, rage,…
I hear you. My heart is also with his survivors, particularly his two children who are still minors. I’m pretty scathing about cancel culture and bully in closed-minded Asian countries like China and S. Korea, exactly for the rampant pathetic public-shaming condemnations and verdicts outside courtrooms. This is very inhumane. Not everyone is mentally strong enough to bear with that scale of pressure. Some would just give up all the hopes and decide to end their lives. In some sense, those nosey busybodies accusing LSK are murderers of his death.
I feel so despaired, devastated and extremely angry when I saw this news early this morning even though I had never met him. I fell in love with k/c dramas early 2015, with Coffee Prince being my absolute favorite drama, and this guy as one of the 4 mains in that drama had me watching every single work that he did before and after. I so wanted to visit SKorea, for the culture, food etc but fell out of love with the place after their citizens crapped on Yoon Eun Hye, a gem they do not know they have. I am so happy for her that she got past all the nastiness and is very happy away from the acting world there, the same cannot be said for LSK. I cannot imagine her horror at hearing this news.
How CRUEL is this place to deny citizens a non violent way of relaxing if this is what they choose! SO MANY great talents have been vilified by this hypocritical society’s fake do-gooders, sitting on their keyboards just judging another human being.
RIP dear Lee Sun-Kyun, I wish you could have found a way to say to all these peeps…eff all of you!!! We will miss you. So sorry to Jeon Hye Jin and their sons.
Dear @emchi, i was like you, but i didn’t dare to talk about Yoon Eun Hye , because i feared the comments . When i read the news in French media ( he was known for Parasite), it made me think of the day of his wedding , i still remember as it was just yesterday , the photo with the guests ( Yoon Eun hye, Lee Min Ki, Lee jung jae, Chae Jung Ahn,..) And Yoon Eun Hye who was the target of a witch hunt as if she was the worst person of K entertainment and losing all she worked for , for years ,only because of a supposed plagia . I feel proud that she could overcome all that and now i understand why she is so reluctant to fully come back . But not everyone has the same mental and Lee Seon Kyung was treated as a Pablo Escobar . Knetizens were really hard on him . I understand that Korea has a tolerance zéro about drugs but Alcohol is a drug too and they didn’t feel ashamed about the fact that all their dramas show people drinking and feeling proud about how many soju’s bottles they can handle as it was a national pride , when alcohol kills more people each year than drugs do .A drunken driver can kill a whole family and only be sentenced very lightly , but an actor who may have taken drugs becomes a “shit” that should be punished all his life . Incomprehensible ! And some stars who are expressing their condolences through social media where they were when he needed help the most .Busy keeping their image ! No one showed a gesture of sympathy , kindness…Johnny Depp has all his ex girlfriends and even Eva Green who took a risk to defend him . Gerard Depardieu is facing accusations of sexual assault and the medias are really harsh, but a lot of french legends of the industry signed a letter in the ” Le Figaro” to defend him Fanny Ardant, Carole Bouquet, Catherine Deneuve, nathalie Baye, Carla Bruni, …50 celebrities because of ” innocent until proven guilty ” Nowadays that’s the problem , you are judged by citizens even before going to court .
I wish he could have lived in the west. He shouldn’t have ended up killing himself for his scandals if he had lived in the west. I imagine the pressure he had been under to the point that’s unbearable and so devastating to take his own life, simply to escape forever. But his suicide doesn’t put a period to those who matter most to him. That’s a more cruel decision he made for his survivors. On one hand, public shaming is inhumane and very hypocritical. Can anyone in the whole dang world claim self more righteous than another human being? No one! On the other hand, the belief I’ve been deeply influenced through American heritage in faith teaches me a valuable motto that I’ve also repeatedly taught my own kids and advised friends who seek help: whatever happens, it’s not gonna be the end of the world; as long as you live, the problem will go away sooner or later. Just be patient!
Suicidal thoughts is such a serious disease that gravely demoralizes human beings. In my belief, my life is not in my own hands since I’m not the one creating it and therefore I have no right to devalue it or disown it. Suicide is not among my options to resolve issues. God I wish LSK and everyone else could interpret life as I do and cherish their own lives in any circumstances. Suicide is the least wise route to resort to.
I’m almost crying. He was the protagonist of the most extraordinary work of art that Man has ever created. Rest in peace.
Y’know, I’m not an advocate for drugs, but my take on small-scale drugs like weed or shrooms is that people should be free to pursue drugs if they’re not addictive or harming anyone. I used to think any drugs is bad for society because it’s like the gateway to even stronger drugs. As I’ve gotten older, though, I realize how hypocritical it is of us to condemn those who take recreational drugs (that aren’t addictive), when we make money off of even worse drugs like cigarettes and alcohol and actual medications (insulin debacle in the U.S.). Considering that what we do have is terrible enough, why add more, right? But the reason people pursue these, is because what they need is difficult to obtain. Like there are medicinal properties in weed and ‘shrooms that can actually help people. But they’re banned because of potential for abuse.
So now I’m ok with folks taking drugs as long as they know the full extent of what they’re getting themselves into. With my stance, that means I don’t condemn Lee Seon Kyun for partaking in drugs, if he did use them.
His cheating (if true) is prob the most condemning part for me. But it’s not a death sentence. Many celebrities have cheated on their spouses and it’s nothing new. I think it’s sad to resort to prostitution, but there are prob reasons for it, like low inhibitions, easy access, high discretion, etc. I can excuse it on a higher mental level, but personally I still don’t like it. When he built his entire image on being a good spouse, good father, it ruined his life’s work with infidelity. But again, not a death sentence.
He couldn’t own up to his faults (if those faults are true), which is understandable because they are shameful and/or he couldn’t face the false allegations (which is an asinine reason to commit suicide). Both reasons aren’t good enough to off himself, IMO. But I’m not him.
I understand his rationale, while private citizens tend to get hounded on a more private level by the police, as a public persona, he will get hounded by the world. Maybe he feels death is the only way to deal with the pressure/shame, but then those who suffer are his family. It’s awful for them to face the onslaught of media attention after this along with their grief. The more mature way is to face the music which takes a lot of courage, but the shortest way is to die. It is still pitiable that he chose the latter option. He gets what he wanted, at least, which is the ability to rest in peace.
I’m rambling, but just my 2c on the situation.
@Coralie, I am the same, I grew up being told just how evil drugs are… but now, at my age. I no longer judge so as I learnt it is down to individuals. In my Country, I know a great number of highly qualified professionals, artists, musicians, even those in medical industry who do social drugs. They dont buy synthetic drugs. They do enjoy soft drugs which is legal in so many parts of Europe. I learnt they take those responsibly in a safe setting amongst friends they trust.
I dont participate as I dont like to consume anything that I dont like, I like my mind clear. But I dont judge when my friend has some magic mushrooms or smoke weed. To them, it is like drinking or smoking.
Of course since drugs are illegal in SK, it is the law. If found guilty accept consequence.
It is him being filmed going to bar hostess house repeated time that is upsetting as he betrayed his wife and love ones. Also his own image and career…trust of others who believed in him.
To kill himself to run away from his debts… I cannot imagine just how helpless he must have felt. I am just wondering if his action will now result in his family responsible for his debts? I dont know SK system much.
I read there are more reasons that may have pushed him to take his own life….
@Coralie, I am the same, I grew up being told just how evil drugs are… but now, at my age. I no longer judge so as I learnt it is down to individuals. In my Country, I know a great number of highly qualified professionals, artists, musicians, even those in medical industry who do social drugs. They dont buy synthetic drugs. They do enjoy soft drugs which is legal in so many parts of Europe. I learnt they take those responsibly in a safe setting amongst friends they trust.
I dont participate as I dont like to consume anything that I dont like, I like my mind clear. But I dont judge when my friend has some magic mushrooms or smoke weed. To them, it is like drinking or smoking.
Of course since drugs are illegal in SK, it is the law. If found guilty accept consequence.
It is him being filmed going to bar hostess house repeated time that is upsetting as he betrayed his wife and love ones. Also his own image and career…trust of others who believed in him.
To kill himself to run away from his debts… I cannot imagine just how helpless he must have felt. I am just wondering if his action will now result in his family responsible for his debts? I dont know SK system much.
I read there are more reasons that may have pushed him to take his own life….
@HL Exactly! We have stuff that’s technically considered soft addictions for things like drinking, smoking, watching dramas (me), and viewing gossip/news blogs (me.)
I’ve experimented, but it’s not for me either. Although I wouldn’t mind trying ‘shrooms lol.
In the U.S., assets can be confiscated to pay for debts, even in the event of someone’s death. But in this case, 1) there’s no proof of his wrongdoing (not that I’ve seen anyways) and 2) it’s so high profiled that I’m not sure Korean courts will deal with the issue properly. Maybe they’ll sweep it under the rug given that he’s such an international star and the less attention, the better, which might benefit his beneficiaries.
@Coralie, I am just reminded of a piece of comment Prince Harry wrote in regards to being served Chocolate magic mushrooms at Courteney Cox house gathering. LOl. Dont know if this is legal in US but definitely legal in parts of Europe. There are cafes that sells such treats as snacks with coffee/tea.
I used to know a guy in my younger days who took the ‘head banging’ party drugs…when saw him bang his head all night. I felt so sorry for his neck…he went on for hours non stop. I did not think it was humanly possible . My first and last party night with this guy.
A sad ending to a human being as a result of unproven convictions outside courtrooms from nosey busybodies (fan circles and public as well) in Asian ent. I imagine him wouldn’t have been so hopeless and desperate to take his own life if he were a celeb in the US. All the allegations about him haven’t brought to courts yet and that gossipy society had already give him guilty verdicts. SMH. Thanks I’m not living in Asia.
“Congrats to Korea for bullying one of their national treasures to death.”
This is one comment with more than 1.4k votes up that I read on Reddit Kdrama. The sarcasm !!!! LSK wasn’t the only victim of Asian celeb suicides and sadly he won’t be the last one.
This wasn’t suicide. This was murder committed by the media, vicious neitizens, and outrageous standards as a celebrity. May his soul find rest and peace away from this world.
You are so right what a vile country South Korea is. I’ve watched K-Dramas for years and it’s ugly. Men abusing women, drunkenness and too delayed gratification with poor endings. He was a delight to watch. What this country did to him shameless. I am going to boycott the K-drama world. It didn’t have to end this way. a ‘Dream Team’ would have this look like a blip in his career and he’d still be alive.
i don’t pity him at all. He admitted going to brothel, and people find out that the brothel he went to promotes underaged girls. So yeah, he deserved to rot in hell for being a cheater, a scum & for being friend to a group of vile people
Pity you! You may not be aware that you might also have done something wrong that equally deserves condemnation of “rotting in hell.” LOL. He did not kill anyone. If you think his “misconducts” deserve a death sentence, then I’m sure you also have some sins that should warrant you to be treated the same way. Sorry for being blunt and perhaps offensive.
WOW! You must be a God or Goddess who’s done absolutely no wrong to condemn him to rot in hell. Jeez, you must be proud for taking a father away from his two sons.
There we have it, folk! One vicious neitizen making an appearance behind their keyboard.
RIP “The Voice” – for the peace you have been seeking
Reading through comments:
(1) Like it isn’t enough of a nightmare for the wife, the 2 sons who had to be whisked out to USA. Why ask if the wife had been supportive enough? We do not know if the family was supportive or not. Certainly it required problem solving like sending the kids off to USA (financials again)
BUT ultimately he was in a Hostess Bar afterall, for pete’s sake!
(2) The STRESS of the ongoing Blackmailing – it started even back then. The interrogation, the fact it became exposed …. just compounded the whole dark picture
(3) Financials – with endorsements pulling out, cancellations …. even for his wife – would he have been required to compensate?