Esteemed Korean filmmaker Bong Joon Ho, renowned for his critically acclaimed films such as "Parasite" and "Snowpiercer," has called for a thorough investigation into the death of one of his stars, Lee Sun-kyun. The late actor, best known for his role as the father in the groundbreaking film "Parasite," tragically passed away at the age of 48 in December.

"Parasite" made history as the first non-English-language movie to win the prestigious Best Picture award at the Oscars in its 92-year history. It was also the first South Korean film to ever receive an Academy Award. Lee's remarkable performance as the father of a wealthy family in "Parasite" garnered widespread acclaim and contributed to the film's global success.

In an interview with The Post in 2021, Lee expressed his deep gratitude for being a part of the groundbreaking film, acknowledging the honor it brought him. However, he emphasized his desire to move forward and not dwell solely on past achievements, viewing his involvement in "Parasite" as a memorable adventure.

Lee's tragic death occurred during a police investigation into his alleged drug use. He was found deceased in a car in Seoul, with the vehicle reportedly near a charcoal briquette, which can emit carbon monoxide when burned in a confined space. Prior to his death, Lee had been reported missing, and his manager informed the police about an apparent suicide note left behind.

Following this devastating loss, a newly established organization, roughly translated as the Association of Solidarity Among Cultural Artists, has issued a statement calling for South Korean officials to continue their comprehensive inquiry into the circumstances surrounding Lee's death. The organization aims to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future and also intends to advocate for media outlets to delete articles that do not fulfill their journalistic responsibilities. Additionally, they plan to urge authorities to revise existing laws to safeguard the human rights of artists.

Lee's passing took place amidst an ongoing investigation into his alleged involvement in illegal drug use. South Korea has one of the strictest drug policies globally, with those found guilty of violating drug laws potentially facing significant penalties, including imprisonment. Throughout the investigation, Lee was questioned by the police on three occasions, enduring a grueling 19-hour interrogation. The actor was reportedly deeply disturbed by the impact the investigation had on his career and reputation, as he was dropped from a film project prior to his untimely demise.

Lee steadfastly maintained his innocence, claiming to be the victim of a blackmail scheme and alleging that he had unknowingly consumed drugs. His death has left a void in the entertainment industry, leaving his family, including his wife, actress Jeon Hye Jin, and their two sons, shattered by the loss.

A private funeral was held for Lee at Seoul National University Hospital's funeral home on December 29. The somber ceremony saw Lee's wife and children deeply grieving, with heartfelt tears and emotional tributes shared to honor his memory.

The organization pursuing the truth behind Lee's death is set to hold a press conference on Friday, where they will further address their objectives and advocate for a comprehensive investigation into this tragic incident.