News Summary

• Lee, who starred in “Parasite,” had been investigated by police in Incheon for possible recreational use of drugs and was at the center of a maelstrom of media and social media commentary for the two months prior to his death..
• Backed by a formidable collection of artists, cultural organizations and trade associations, Bong called for an investigation into the police methods and for established media to reflect on the sensationalist coverage which may have contributed to Lee’s decision to take his own life..
• We demand that the police investigate whether there was any lapse in the security of the investigation from the moment the details of the deceased’s investigation were first exposed until two months later..
• Recordings of his incriminating statements were released to the media and public, and he made the tragic choice to end his life after a third 19-hour police summons,” said Bong..
• We want to know if there was no individual media contact during the investigation, and we want the results to be made public so that there is no doubt,” said Bong, appearing to become teary-eyed..
• “Clear legislative improvements are needed to ensure that principles and exceptions are not reversed between the human rights of suspects and the public’s right to know, and that investigative authorities do not arbitrarily interpret and apply the intent of the law,” the ad hoc group said..