Lee Sun Kyun's agency sues reporter; to take more legal action vs false info

MANILA, Philippines — The agency of the late "Parasite" star Lee Sun-kyun has sued a journalist for reporting false information in connection to the actor's death.

Sun-kyun passed away last December 27, aged 48 years old. Authorities found his unconscious body in a parked car and confirmed Sun-kyun's identity after contacting his manager.

Police found a charcoal briquette in the car's passenger seat and in Lee's home was a memo akin to a suicide note, but officials have yet to indicate the exact cause of death.

The actor previously went through police questioning thrice on suspected drug use such as marijuana and other illegal narcotics.

His agency HODU&U Entertainment recently released a statement to address the circulation of rumors and false information about their talents.

HODU&U Entertainment said it was collecting relevant information and concurrently decided to take legal action: "In the future, we will take firm action against all situations where false information is spread."

"We express our deepest regret over the malicious and indiscreet reports regarding the late actor Lee Sun-kyun by some media outlets over the past three months. We hoped that the truth would be revealed through a fair police investigation until the end, but since we can no longer do so, we would like to correct the facts one by one by ourselves."

Related: 'Parasite' star Lee Sun Kyun dies at 48; cause of death still unknown

The agency confirmed it sued a journalist who reported false information the night Sun-kyun passed away. It is asking for the reporter's diligent participation in upcoming legal proceedings and for a sincere apology.

It also acknowledged that it was unable to respond to media interviews as the investigation is ongoing, and asked that any posts or stories that weren't fact-checked or corrobated be attended to swiftly.

"HODU&U Entertainment will continue to do our best to ensure that our agency’s actors can work in a stable environment. We ask for your understanding and cooperation," the statement ended.

Before starring in the Oscar-winning "Parasite," which also won the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture, Sun-kyun appeared in several short films before working full-time on features.

These include "Our Town," "Romantic Island," "Paju," "Petty Romance," "Helpless," "All About My Wife," "Nobody's Daughter Haewon," "Our Sunhi," "A Hard Day," "The Advocate: A Missing Body," "The King's Case Note," "A Special Lady," and "Take Point."

Sun-kyun also starred in a number of episodes of anthology show "Drama City" and series like "Loveholic," "White Tower," "Coffee Prince," "Triple," "Pasta," "Golden Time," "Miss Korea," "Listen to Love," "My Mister," "Diary of a Prosecutor," "Dr. Brain," and "Payback."

His last appearance will be the upcoming web series "No Way Out."

RELATED: 'Parasite' actor Lee Sun Kyun's death prompts criticism of police, media

___

If you or someone you know needs assistance, contact the National Center for Mental Health Crisis Hotline at +63 917 899 8727 and 7989 8727.