Bong Joon-ho Demands Accountability as Police Officer and Prosecutor Indicted for Leaking Lee Sun-kyun’s Drug Case

On June 5, the Incheon District Prosecutors’ Office confirmed the indictment without detention of a police officer in his 30s, identified as “A”, and a prosecutorial investigator in his 40s, referred to as “B”. Both face charges for leaking official secrets, while a journalist labeled “C” was indicted for violating the Personal Information Protection Act.

Officer A reportedly photographed and shared investigative documents on October 18, 2023, revealing names, criminal records, and occupations of individuals tied to the case. These sensitive files were sent to two reporters. Meanwhile, Investigator B allegedly disclosed the fact that Lee Sun-kyun was under investigation to another journalist, resulting in a sensational October 19 headline: “Top Star L Under Internal Investigation for Drug Charges.”

Lee Sun-kyun, best known internationally for his role in Parasite, was booked on October 14 and questioned three times before being found dead on December 26, just days after his final police interrogation. His death, shrouded in public scrutiny and intense media coverage, shocked the nation.

In January 2024, Bong Joon-ho issued a formal statement demanding a thorough probe into possible unauthorized media leaks and improper conduct by investigators. He emphasized the need to:

• Identify if any media communications during the investigation were unauthorized;
• Examine whether media liaisons or unrelated officials disclosed private details;
• Publicly reveal the findings to prevent similar tragedies.

The acclaimed director’s words echoed public sentiment calling for greater accountability in high-profile investigations and underscored the devastating consequences of media-fueled character assassination.

As the judicial process unfolds, attention now turns to how law enforcement and media institutions will address these breaches—and whether Lee’s case will mark a turning point in protecting the rights of individuals under investigation.