Parasite star Lee Sun-kyun’s heartbreaking statement as he apologized for ‘causing great disappointment’ before death

The actor was pictured arriving at his last questioning on December 23, which would go on until the early hours of Christmas Eve.

As he finally emerged from the cop shop, he briefly said: "I feel like it is a bit too late, but I've finished the questioning by the police about the blackmail case.

"I hope the police wisely determine which statements are more reliable between mine and the blackmailers.'"

It would be his last statement before his death.

BLACKMAIL 'PLOT'

During the investigation, the actor alleged that a local barmaid tricked him into taking drugs and he wasn't aware of what he was taking.

The woman in her 20s - whose identity has not been made public - allegedly worked at a high-end bar in Seoul's Gangnam district and had tipped off police about his alleged drug use.

He also filed a complaint against the unnamed hostess, claiming she had already extorted some £212,000 from him, according to .

During questioning, Sun-kyun admitted he had met the hostess four times and had inhaled powder through his nose, but said he thought it was a crushed sleeping pill.

The woman claimed it was ketamine.

Sun-kyun's lawyer requested last week that the police proceedings be made more private after the actor felt "burdened" by having to face cameras during each summons.

After the drug accusations were made public in late October, the rising star was reportedly dropped from several major TV projects.

He submitted a polygraph test in an attempt to prove his alleged innocence on October 22.

Last month, Sun-kyun tested negative in two drug tests conducted by investigators.

South Korea's drug laws are some of the strictest in the world with drug offences resulting in a minimum jail term of six months and up to 14 years for repeat offenders.

'EXTREMELY TRAGIC'

Sun-kyun had risen to international fame playing the role of Dong Ik in the 2019 Oscar-winning thriller Parasite, which won the 2020 Academy Award for Best Picture.

Parasite became the first foreign language film to ever win the coveted category.

Sun-kyun won a 2021 Screen Actors Guild award for Parasite in the Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture category.

Sun-kyun was also known for his work in the 2014 action film A Hard Day and the 2009 drama Paju.

He also starred in 12 episodes of the 2023 crime series Payback, playing the main character Eun Yong.

Tributes have poured in for the actor from across the world.

"Awful news. Lee Sun-kyun was one of the best actors working in Korean cinema," one fan wrote.

"He was wonderful in Parasite. South Korea has serious problems with suicide. This is unfortunately an all too common story for many celebrities in that country."

"I just watched recently him in Payback too. This is too tragic," another said.

"He was amazing in Parasite and Hard Day. This is extremely tragic," a third added.

A fourth wrote: "Lee Sun-kyun was such a great talent in everything I’ve seen him in, but I can’t even think up any tribute because all I can think of is the tragic and heartbreaking circumstances leading up to his death and how this road is such a common story you hear from the industry."

Another offered: "His performance in Parasite was phenomenal… so very sad to read about his passing. RIP Lee Sun-Kyun."

If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on 988 or chat on . You can also text HOME to 741741 for Crisis Text Line.