Oscar-winning 'Parasite' director Bong Joon-ho, along with other artists, writers, performers, and producers in South Korea, has come together to demand a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of renowned actor Lee Sun-kyun. Lee tragically took his own life last month in the midst of a relentless police probe into allegations of drug use. In a nationally televised news conference, Bong and his fellow artists raised questions about the conduct of the police throughout the investigation, expressing concerns about multiple summonses issued to Lee in the presence of TV cameras and the potential inappropriate leaking of information to the media.

The Oscar-winning "Parasite" director Bong Joonho and many others in the Korean entertainment industry held a press conference about the death of actor Lee Sun Kyun, calling for a probe into the police investigation and media reports https://t.co/snST6ASKAW pic.twitter.com/gIyl6GxBjP

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They also criticized the disproportionate and sensationalized coverage of Lee's private life by some news outlets and YouTubers, labeling it as a form of yellow journalism. The group urged officials to thoroughly examine whether there were any breaches of security or privacy in the handling of Lee's case. They emphasized the severe impact that character assassination can have, calling for revisions to laws to better protect the human rights of individuals involved in criminal investigations. Lee had been under investigation for alleged drug use, with police looking into claims that he used illegal drugs at the residence of a bar hostess.

Despite denying any knowledge of the substances and providing multiple negative drug test results, Lee was subjected to unrelenting scrutiny and attacks on his reputation. The intense spotlight and sensationalized reports surrounding the investigation and allegations took a toll on Lee, leading to his tragic death. His passing has once again brought attention to the high suicide rate in South Korea, as well as the impact of cyberbullying and abusive online comments.

This tragic incident has prompted a call for greater consideration and protection of individuals' rights and privacy in criminal investigations, as well as discussions around the impact of media coverage on the mental well-being of those under investigation. Ultimately, Bong and his peers are advocating for a more humane and ethical approach to investigating and reporting on such sensitive matters.