Lee Sun-kyun

Biography

Lee Sun-kyun (March 2, 1975 – December 27, 2023) was a distinguished South Korean actor celebrated for his versatility and depth in both film and television. His career took off with significant roles in acclaimed films such as *Helpless* (2012), the romantic comedy *All About My Wife* (2012), and the crime thriller *A Hard Day* (2014). Lee gained international recognition for his performance in Bong Joon-ho's *Parasite* (2019), a film that won the Academy Award for Best Picture and earned him a Screen Actors Guild Award alongside his fellow cast members. He also garnered critical acclaim and an International Emmy Award nomination over his career.

Lee's artistic journey began in musical theatre, where he initially faced challenges, often cast in minor roles. His breakthrough came with a pivotal collaboration on the KBS series *Drama City* and the MBC anthology *Best Theater*. Notably, his role in *Coffee Prince* (2007) and the medical drama *White Tower* solidified his status as a leading actor, paving the way for subsequent successes in *Pasta* (2010), *Golden Time* (2012), and *My Mister* (2018).

In addition to his mainstream triumphs, Lee frequently partnered with esteemed director Hong Sang-soo, appearing in notable arthouse projects like *Night and Day* (2008), *Oki's Movie* (2010), and *Nobody's Daughter Haewon* (2013). His rich body of work has left an indelible mark on the South Korean entertainment industry.