The death of Korean actor Lee Sun Kyun at the age of 48, sent shockwaves on Wednesday (Dec 27) morning.

Before his death, the acclaimed actor, who starred in the Oscar-winning Parasite, had been under investigation over illegal drug use since October this year.

It was previously reported that Sun Kyun claimed to have been extorted a total of 350mil won (S$357,000) involving a female room manager of the Gangnam Hotel and her colleague (Female A).

Before his death, Sun Kyun confessed to the police that he had been blackmailed by the two women and had given in to their demands.

But as his finances were under his actress wife Jeon Hye Jin’s control, he instead approached friends for help.

Female A is 28 and is alleged to be Sun Kyun’s mistress. She appeared in court yesterday (Dec 28) afternoon, turning up in a police van wearing a thick coat and hat in a bid to hide her identity while... carrying a child.

Reporters surrounding Female A threw a barrage of questions “Do you admit to threatening Lee [Sun Kyun?]” and “Is it true you received 50 million won?” though she remained silent as she was ushered into the courtroom.

In a turn of events, it was also revealed that Female A had not turned up for a court hearing on the day of Sun Kyun’s death and was arrested after a day-long search.

The day before Sun Kyun’s apparent suicide, the controversial YouTube channel Garo Sero Research Institute released a recording of a phone interview the actor had with Female A.

Some netizens have come out to criticise the channel with many leaving messages accusing it of causing Sun Kyun’s death.

Others mused that the recordings were the last straw for Sun Kyun when he realised he couldn’t stop them from going public.

The My Mister actor had always maintained his innocence during investigations and had cleared all three drug tests.

Sun Kyun also requested the courts for a lie detector test to be conducted for both him and Female A the day before his apparent suicide.

On the day of his death, Korean media outlets got a hold of his suicide note to his wife and revealed part of its contents, “I can’t help it!” and “I think there is no other way”.

In the note, Sun Kyun referred to his wife as the love of his life and left it to her to handle his affairs once he is gone.

Sun Kyun was also said to have apologised to the CEO of his entertainment agency for the penalties — said to be around 10bil won (S$10.2mil) — incurred after advertising and movie deals were canceled during drug investigations.

Photos: 8world, rojaklah