Lee Sun-kyun, born on March 2, 1975, in Seoul, South Korea, was a celebrated actor whose career spanned over two decades and left an indelible mark on both Korean and international cinema. He is perhaps best remembered globally for his portrayal of Park Dong-ik, the wealthy and seemingly benevolent patriarch in Bong Joon-ho's Academy Award-winning film Parasite (2019), a role that earned him and his castmates a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture. His performance in the film, which deftly balanced charm, condescension, and vulnerability, was a cornerstone of the movie's global success and solidified his reputation as one of South Korea's most versatile actors.

Lee's journey in the entertainment industry began in 2000 with minor roles in television and film, but it was his work in the mid-2000s that brought him mainstream recognition in his home country. He gained critical acclaim and popularity for his performances in the medical drama Behind the White Tower (2007) and the beloved romantic comedy Coffee Prince (2007), both of which showcased his range and charisma. He continued to build a stellar television career with leading roles in Pasta (2010), Golden Time (2012), and the critically lauded My Mister (2018), where his nuanced portrayal of a weary, middle-aged engineer resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike. On the big screen, Lee was a frequent collaborator with acclaimed arthouse director Hong Sang-soo, starring in films such as Oki's Movie (2010) and Nobody's Daughter Haewon (2013). His filmography also includes the mystery thriller Helpless (2012), the romantic comedy All About My Wife (2012), and the action thriller A Hard Day (2014), the latter of which won him the Baeksang Arts Award for Best Actor, one of the most prestigious honors in Korean entertainment.

Following the global phenomenon of Parasite, Lee continued to select challenging and diverse projects. He starred in the first Korean-language series produced by Apple TV+, Dr. Brain (2021), a sci-fi thriller that earned him a nomination for an International Emmy Award. He further demonstrated his dramatic range in the political drama Kingmaker (2022) and the crime thriller Payback: Money and Power (2023). His final film, Sleep (2023), a psychological thriller, premiered at the Cannes Film Festival and was released shortly before his death. Lee was married to actress Jeon Hye-jin, with whom he had two sons. On December 27, 2023, Lee Sun-kyun tragically passed away at the age of 48 while under investigation for alleged drug use, a case that had drawn intense media scrutiny. His untimely death was a profound loss to the entertainment world, cutting short a career defined by exceptional talent and a commitment to his craft.