Renowned South Korean actor Lee Sun-kyun, acclaimed for his pivotal role in the Oscar-winning film "Parasite," was discovered lifeless in a car parked on a Seoul street on Wednesday. The Seoul's Seongbuk police station confirmed his demise after emergency responders initially found him unresponsive in the vehicle.

Amid an extensive police inquiry into alleged drug use, Lee, aged 48, had been reported missing, prompting a search by authorities. While details remain limited, reports suggested that Lee's family had earlier alerted authorities, revealing his departure from home following a message resembling a suicide note.

Lee's body was transferred to a nearby Seoul hospital after the discovery, according to the Seongbuk police. His impact in the film industry resonated profoundly with his memorable performance in "Parasite," the groundbreaking movie that claimed multiple Oscars, including Best Picture, marking the first non-English-language film to achieve this feat in the Academy Awards' history.

A revered figure in South Korea's entertainment realm, Lee's illustrious career included accolades such as a Screen Actors Guild award for his role in "Parasite" and a nomination for Best Actor at the International Emmy Awards for his work in the sci-fi thriller "Dr. Brain."

Lee Sun-kyun had faced inquiries over alleged drug use, strenuously maintaining that he was deceived into consuming narcotics, unaware of their nature. The repercussions of the drug scandal led to significant career setbacks, including the loss of acting projects.

South Korea's stringent laws highlight that a first-time drug conviction could potentially lead to imprisonment, underscoring the severe ramifications faced by individuals entangled in such controversies.