INCHEON - Oscar-winning actor Lee Sun-kyun stated he is not acquainted with a third-generation scion of a South Korean family-owned conglomerate currently under police investigation for suspected illegal drug use, according to his lawyer.
According to a new release by Yonhap News Agency, an internal investigation has been initiated involving eight individuals, including Lee, the chaebol scion, and a would-be entertainer. They are suspected of using illegal drugs at their homes or nightclubs in Seoul's Gangnam district this year. Lee's lawyer, in a phone conversation with Yonhap News Agency, relayed that the actor denies knowing either the scion or the would-be entertainer personally, thereby rejecting speculation that they may have consumed drugs together.
When questioned about whether Lee admits or denies the drug-use allegations, his lawyer stated, "It's difficult to speak yet," adding that Lee "will cooperate with the police investigation sincerely." While Lee has not yet been designated as a suspect, a lead concerning his suspected drug use has reportedly been found. Lee's management agency also revealed that the actor has filed a blackmail complaint against another individual involved in the drug case, claiming to have been extorted for hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Veteran actor Lee, 48, has appeared in films such as "Helpless" (2012), "All About My Wife" (2012), and "A Hard Day" (2014). He received a Screen Actors Guild Award for his role in "Parasite" directed by Bong Joon-ho.