After actor Lee Sun-kyun’s suicide: Bong Joon-ho calls for more protection for artists.
Together with a variety of artists, cultural organizations and business associations, “Parasite” director Bong Joon-ho called for an investigation into police methods and a critical reflection on the media coverage surrounding the recently deceased actor Lee in a press conference on Tuesday (January 9). Sun Kyun.
The Lee Sun-kyun tragedy should be investigated
The Korean police had investigated Lee Sun-kyun for possible recreational drug use. As a result, the actor was at the center of media and social media commentary in the two months leading up to his suicide. In dealing with this situation, the director now criticizes both the police and the media for their sensational comments.
“Clear legislative improvements are needed to ensure that the principles and exceptions between the human rights of suspects and the public’s right to information are not reversed and that investigative authorities do not arbitrarily interpret and apply the intent of the law.”
Bong Joon-ho quoted from a statement that he had written together with other artists, screenwriters and unions. In it they call for the laws to be tightened to better protect artists. They accuse the Korean police of leaking confidential information to the media and thereby supporting the comments about the actor.
Sharp criticism of the Koran police
Accordingly, the police investigation should be examined to determine the extent to which confidential information about Lee Sun-kyun’s drug use was leaked without permission. In their speech, they specifically accused the police of leaking drug test results to the media, which not only violated the “Parasite” actor’s privacy, but also made him the center of sensationalist reporting.
“His three police appearances, from the simple reagent test to the negative test, were broadcast live to the media. Recordings of his incriminating statements were released to the media and the public and he made the tragic decision to end his life after a third 19-hour police summons.”
Police have denied acting negligently during the investigation. Lee was most recently seen in films such as Project Silence and Sleep. He is survived by his wife, actress Jeon Hye-jin, and his two children.
Anyone who has suicidal thoughts should turn to trusted people or to help services like this Telephone counseling (www.telefonseelsorge.de). It offers quick help – also by telephone on 0800 / 111 0 111 – and refers doctors, advice centers or clinics, including to people close to you.