I’m sure Korean film fans have already heard, but in case you haven’t, actress Lee Eun-ju tragically took her own life today:
Popular television and film actress Lee Eun-ju was found dead on Tuesday, apparently having committed suicide. She was 24.
Lee, the star of such hit films as “Tae Guk Gi” (2004) and “The Scarlet Letter” (2004) as well as the recent MBC television drama “Firebird (Pulsae),” was found by her elder brother in the walk-in closet of her apartment in Pundang, Kyonggi Province, where she is said to have hung herself.
Lee’s mother and elder brother were with her until early in the morning, he said, and he returned to the apartment in the afternoon when she failed to answer her phone.
A note written in blood that included the words, “Mother, I’m sorry, I love you” was discovered at the scene.
Lee was suffering from insomnia and depression, either brought on or made worse by some of the scenes she had to play in her last film The Scarlet Letter. In the film, she had to perform one torrid sex scene with actor Han Suk-kyu and a rather gruesome finale scene — again with Han — that she obviously had some trouble overcoming. In her three-page suicide note, she expressed regret over having done the role and revealed that somehow, it shattered her confidence and ability to control her emotions. Before the film debuted last October, she told Yonhap News that it wasn’t an easy decision for her to take the part, and explained that she had developed insomnia because the character was not an easy one to come out of. In particular, she said the final scene was so hellish that she really felt like dying. The producers of the film, however, denied that the part drove her to suicide, explaining that while the role was tough, the difficulties she had were no different from those faced by other actresses.
Strangely enough, I watched The Scarlet Letter with the Mrs. a couple of weeks ago. Frankly, I found the film far from enjoyable, despite the fact that it stared Han, who happens to be one of my favorite actors. Nixflix.com has a great review of the film that discusses what went wrong. I’m not surprised, however, that Lee had problems with that final scene. It was most disturbing, and assuming that she had psychological problems before the film, I could see how it might have pushed her to the edge.
Lee did receive an examination for insomnia of Jan. 24. When the results came out on Feb. 3, the hospital advised she be admitted and undergo minute tests, including a brain wave test. She refused, however. She had made an appointment for Feb. 17, but she didn’t show.
Anyway, it’s a tragedy, and that’s really all that can be said. Besides her family, I really feel bad for Han Suk-kyu as well. Apparently, he’s one of the most genuinely decent guys in the business, and I’d imagine Lee’s death and some of the explanations as to why have left him pretty shaken.
12 Comments
what happens in the film that is so disturbing?
hi.
i just found out about her death.
actually i havent seen the movie, but she was my favorite korean actress i love her in lovers concerto, im sorry i dont speak about youe question but i just want to ask if there is some adress where i can express my sorrow to family.
and they should be pround because im a mexican and i know here she was so talented and im really sorry for her death thanks.
OMG, can’t believe it she died…hic,hic,hic:(
She has responsibility on her family culture. This is something like “Harakiri” of Japan in the past
Well, the last scenes of that movie are indeed pretty disturbing. I’m very sad she comitted suicide and I wish her family and friends all the strenghth they need to deal with this terrible loss of such a promising bright young girl.
what was so distrubing about the last part of movie??? I haven’t seen it and I can’t get the movie.
Wow..I was browsing through some korean news sites today, and I found her notice of death. I was shocked. I cried when I read the story. She was amazing in Pulsae, and in her other dramas and movies. I haven’t seen The Scarlet Letter yet, but I did order it right away. She was so bright and loving…she must have felt really bad. The only thing I can think about right now, is what she must have been thinking about in those last few moments. What was she thinking? I can’t look at pictures, or hear her voice, or even read the titles to the works that she has done without tearing up. She was a beautiful human being, and I express my sincerest condolences to her friends and family that actually knew the beautiful woman while she was alive. Rest in peace Eun-joo-she.
telling the final of the scarlet letter, wouldnt be a good idea cuz it would take the thrill away, but its heavy, bloody and she and han were in an unusual trap! i never loved her most than in this movie! she looks healthy and beautiful, much more than ever! i cant believe why such a young and lovely person decided to hang herself.
i hope she is better now!
rest in peace
her performance in firebird is stellar…
plus, she is a beautiful woman with a style…
i have been sad for a couple of weeks and hope somehow she’d rest in peace….
No doubt, Lee Eun Joo passing is very sad. I’ve heard it said that ’suicide is a call for help that goes unheard’. In reality, it is no one’s fault. In a moment of weakness Eun Joo made a decision that became permanent. Hopefully Heaven will grant her Peace, and help her family deal with the tragedy.
I heard that her nude scenes drove her to check out.
This is still sad story.
I cry for her when I see her.