'Parasite' Star Lee Sun-kyun Removed From Project Amid Police Investigation

South Korean actor Lee Sun-kyun has been removed from an upcoming movie as authorities investigate him for suspected drug use. Lee – best known for playing Park Dong-ik in the 2019 Oscar-winning film Parasite – was supposed to play a leading role in the new drama No Way Out, which began filming last week. However, on Monday Studio X+U issued a statement explaining that Lee is under investigation and must be replaced.

"Following an unfortunate incident last week with the actor Lee Sun-gyun, he expressed that it would take a considerable amount of time to sort out the current situation and that he will inevitably drop out [from shooting the project]," read the statement, according to The Hollywood Reporter. "The company reached an agreement with Lee's agency and respects the actor's position. Shooting will continue as scheduled, and there will be no further delay."

The Incheon Metropolitan Police Agency launched a probe into eight people suspected of using drugs in local bars and at their homes, South Korean outlets reported last week. Lee's attorney issued a statement denying one particular aspect of the allegations but did not acknowledge or deny the accusation that Lee had violated local drug laws. The attorney said "it's difficult to say" whether Lee had taken the drugs, but that Lee "will cooperate with the police investigation in a faithful manner."

Lee is 48 years old and has a long career as an entertainer, including some international hits before Parasite. However, he took a quantum leap forward when he played the patriarch of the Park family in the acclaimed thriller. The movie won the Academy Award for Best Picture, while Park won a Screen Actors Guild Award for his performance. In addition to No Way Out, Lee has two other movies coming out soon – one in post-production and one finished and waiting for distribution.

Lee's agency Hodu & U issued a statement on this development, saying: "We sincerely apologize for any distress caused by the reports regarding actor Lee Seon-gyun. We are currently verifying facts around the allegations and will continue to work diligently with law enforcement agencies in any investigations that may be conducted."

Korea is reportedly seeing a major crackdown on drug-related crimes recently, especially in the entertainment industry. Another actor was indicted earlier this year – 37-year-old Yoo Ah-in, who was accused of using cocaine and at least six other types of "non-medical drugs." He had two projects slated for Netflix, The Match and Goodbye Earth, both of which have been postponed indefinitely.