Agency of 'Parasite' actor Lee Sun-kyun releases statement over alleged drug use

Actor Lee Sun-kyun [NEWS1]

"Parasite" actor Lee Sun-kyun's agency Hodu&U Entertainment released a statement Friday afternoon addressing rumors that the film star had used drugs.

The press release did not completely confirm the rumor, which had been circulating since Thursday, that Lee had been investigated by the Incheon Police Agency for drug use, but said “Lee will diligently comply with any further investigation that may take place regarding this case. […] We sincerely apologize for the concern caused by this issue.”

The Incheon Police Agency reportedly investigated eight people, including a top film star, rookie actors and employees of a nightclub, for multiple drug use, a local media outlet reported Thursday. Within hours, rumors were spreading that the film star was Lee.

The agency further stated that Lee had been receiving continuous threats from another person implicated in the same drug investigation case, and that the actor had filed a lawsuit and will take strong legal action against the person.

“We can confirm nothing else about the person against whom Lee has filed the lawsuit at this time,” Lee’s lawyer said in a phone call with the Korea JoongAng Daily.

Lee debuted in 2001 through an MBC sitcom and has played leading roles in many acclaimed films and shows, including the Oscar-winning 2019 film “Parasite.” He is set to appear in two upcoming films and TV shows, including "Project Silence," "The Land of Happiness," "No Way Out" and the second season of "Dr. Brain."

BY LIM JEONG-WON [lim.jeongwon@joongang.co.kr]