In a nationally televised news conference, acclaimed "Parasite" director Bong Joon-ho and fellow artists in South Korea have demanded a comprehensive investigation into the death of actor Lee Sun-kyun. Lee, 48, was found dead in his car on December 27, in an incident widely believed to be a suicide linked to an intense police investigation into his alleged drug use.

During the news conference, Bong and other artists, including writers, performers, and producers, expressed concerns about the handling of Lee's case by law enforcement and the media. They questioned the repeated summoning of Lee in the presence of TV cameras and the potential inappropriate leaks of information about the investigation.

Furthermore, the artists raised concerns about the sensationalization of reports regarding Lee's private life, which they viewed as unrelated to the drug investigation. They emphasized the need for a thorough investigation into the security of the information gathered during the police inquiry.

The artists expressed their belief that Lee had experienced severe character assassination before his death and called for revisions to the laws regarding the protection of individuals' rights during criminal investigations.

The police investigation had focused on allegations that Lee had used illegal drugs at the residence of a bar hostess. Lee consistently maintained that he had been tricked into consuming the drugs and was unaware of their nature, according to South Korean media reports.

This high-profile investigation into Lee's alleged drug use led to extensive tabloid coverage and unverified online rumors about his personal life. In response, Lee had filed a lawsuit against two individuals, including the hostess, accusing them of blackmail.

"Parasite," directed by Bong Joon-ho, made history by winning four Academy Awards, including Best Picture, becoming the first non-English-language film to achieve this feat. Lee, a highly popular actor in South Korea, also gained recognition for his performance in the sci-fi thriller "Dr. Brain," which earned him a nomination for Best Actor at the International Emmy Awards last year.

South Korea has strict anti-drug laws and has consistently had the highest suicide rate among developed countries. The nation has witnessed a series of celebrity suicides, involving K-pop stars, politicians, and business executives. These tragic incidents have often been attributed to abusive online comments and cyberbullying.

As calls for justice grow louder, authorities are expected to conduct a meticulous investigation into Lee Sun-kyun's death, addressing the concerns raised by the artists and working towards preventing similar tragedies in the future.