This comprehensive biography explores the life and career of the acclaimed South Korean actor, Lee Sun-kyun, from his early beginnings to his tragic passing. We delve into his personal life, acting career highlights, and awards received.
Wiki/Biography
Lee Sun-kyun was born on Sunday, March 2, 1975, in Seoul, South Korea. His zodiac sign was Pisces. He earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Acting from the Korea National University of Arts in Seoul.
Physical Appearance
• Height (approx.): 5′ 11″
• Eye Colour: Black
• Hair Colour: Black
Family & Ethnicity
Lee Sun-kyun had a seven-year relationship with actress Jeon Hye-jin before marrying her on May 23, 2009. Their union was blessed with two sons: Lee Rook (born November 25, 2009) and Lee Roon (born August 9, 2011).
Career
His agency was Hodu & U Entertainment.
Theatre & K-dramas
Lee Sun-kyun’s acting journey began in 2001 with the musical theatre production, “The Rocky Horror Show,” where he played the role of Brad. He went on to star in numerous other musicals, including “Grease” (2003), “Indangsu Love Song” (2005), and “Love, Love, Love” (2013). His television debut was in MBC’s 2002 K-drama, “Lovers,” in a minor supporting role. He subsequently appeared in several other K-dramas, steadily building his experience and reputation. His breakthrough role came with the 2007 medical K-drama, “White Tower.”
Other notable K-drama roles include “Coffee Prince” (2007), “Triple” (2009), “Pasta” (2010), “Golden Time” (2012), “Miss Korea” (2013), “Listen to Love” (2016), “My Mister” (2018), and “Prosecutor Civil War” (2019).
Films
Lee Sun-kyun’s film career started in 2000 with the short film “Psycho Drama.” He transitioned from short films to feature films with “Make It Big” (2002). He took on supporting roles in various films before his breakthrough role in the 2008 film “Sa-kwa.” His filmography includes notable features such as “Paju” (2009), “Oki’s Movie” (2010), “Helpless” (2012), “Nobody’s Daughter Haewon” (2012), “A Hard Day” (2014), “The King’s Case Note” (2017), “Take Point” (2018), and the internationally acclaimed “Parasite” (2019).
Awards & Honours
Lee Sun-kyun’s exceptional talent garnered him numerous accolades throughout his career. His awards include:
Award | Year | For |
---|---|---|
Screen Actors Guild Awards for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture | 2020 | Parasite |
Korean Popular Culture & Arts Awards – Prime Minister’s Commendation | 2018 | Overall Contribution |
APAN Star Awards – Daesang | 2018 | My Mister |
The Seoul Awards for Best Actor (K-drama) | 2018 | My Mister |
Blue Dragon Film Awards for Best Actor | 2014 | A Hard Day |
Buil Film Awards for Best Actor | 2014 | A Hard Day |
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria International Film Festival – Award for Best Actor | 2010 | Paju |
KBS Drama Award for Best Actor in a One-Act/Drama Special | 2010 | Our Slightly Risque Relationship |
Baeksang Arts Awards – Best New Actor (TV) | 2007 | White Tower |
Baeksang Arts Awards – Best Actor (Film) | 2015 | A Hard Day |
Baeksang Arts Awards – Best Actor (TV) | 2019 | My Mister |
MBC Drama Awards – Golden Acting Award (Actor in a Miniseries) | 2007 | White Tower |
MBC Drama Awards – Excellence Award (actor) | 2007 | Coffee Prince |
MBC Drama Awards – Top Excellence Award | 2010 | Pasta |
MBC Drama Awards – Best Couple Award (with Gong Hyo-jin) | 2010 | Pasta |
MBC Drama Awards – Top Excellence Award (Actor in a Miniseries) | 2012 | Golden Time |
MBC Drama Awards – Excellence Award (Actor in a Miniseries) | 2014 | Miss Korea |
Signature
Death
Lee Sun-kyun was tragically found deceased in his car parked at Waryong Park in Seoul on December 27, 2023. A suicide note was reportedly found.
Favourite Things
• Musician: Kim Hyun-shik
• Singer: Jae-ha Yoo
• Band: Shinchon Blues
Facts/Trivia
Lee Sun-kyun had a passion for music and film. He was also a dedicated basketball player during his high school years. His early interests included music, advertising, and radio production. His path to acting began unexpectedly during his college drama club, leading him to switch his major and pursue his acting career.
• His blood type was A.
• He was known for his portrayal of “impatient perfectionist” characters, a recurring theme in his roles.
• He served as a brand ambassador for the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service in 2007.
• His role in “Parasite” (2019) further solidified his place in the international film scene.