A woman accused of blackmailing and extorting South Korean film star Lee Sun-kyun for the equivalent of nearly $260,000 was arrested shortly after the actor's death by suicide.
The Metropolitan Investigation Unit of the Incheon Police Agency has taken an important move by issuing an arrest warrant for a person identified as 'A'. The charges against 'A' include extortion and blackmail. This decisive action was taken on December 27, marking a significant development in the ongoing investigation.
Parasite Star Lee Sun-Kyun, Tragedy Unfolds
Police issued an arrest warrant for 'A' on charges of extortion and blackmail, following her failure to appear before the Incheon District Court despite a pre-arrest warrant filed against her. The woman is currently in custody at the Nonyeon Police Station in Incheon, awaiting examination.
The case involves 'A' and a 29-year-old female manager 'B,' who allegedly attempted to extort $270,00 from the 'Parasite' actor. 'A' previously demanded 50 million Won, while investigations delve deeper to uncover the full scope of the truth.
Lee Sun-kyun, recognized for his performance in the highly successful film 'Parasite,' has recently faced intense scrutiny regarding allegations of illegal drug consumption. The actor has been subjected to a thorough investigation by the police, which has spanned across three separate rounds of questioning.
The actor, who had vehemently denied the charges against him, was tragically discovered deceased in his vehicle at a park in Seoul. The exact cause of his untimely demise remains unknown at this time.
His wife, Jeon Hye-jin, an actress and former Miss Korea contestant, discovered a suicide note and reported the incident to the police. Lee's body was found in a Seoul car park, marking a tragic end to the actor's tumultuous journey, according to Outlook.
Career Hit by Drug Allegations and Blackmail
Lee had faced consequences for his alleged drug use, being dropped from major projects and facing an official investigation. The blackmail case emerged amid his legal troubles, with Lee filing a complaint against 'A,' claiming she extorted $270,000 from him.
In a number of highly publicized police interrogations, the case began to unravel as Lee adamantly denied any knowledge or involvement in the consumption of illegal drugs. The actor made a bold demand for a lie detector test, claiming that 'A' was involved in a blackmail scheme against him. In South Korea, the situation has been intensified by the country's strict drug laws, which impose severe penalties for drug-related offenses.
Lee's final police questioning on December 23 lasted 19 hours, concluding with his departure from the police station early on Christmas Eve. Despite completing the questioning as the plaintiff in the blackmail case, Lee's subsequent death added a tragic dimension to the ongoing legal saga.
Lee Sun-kyun, born in 1975, experienced a remarkable career boost with the release of 'Parasite.' This groundbreaking film garnered widespread acclaim, earning prestigious awards such as the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival and four Oscars. The sudden passing of the individual creates a significant void within the Korean entertainment sector, signifying the conclusion of an extensive and successful career encompassing both film and television, Daily Mail reported.
