Producer Lee, who worked as the assistant PD (producer director) of tvN drama "Drinking Solo," has committed suicide in his hotel room. The incident took place two weeks ago, but it was not until Nov. 10, Thursday, that the news of his death was revealed.
A source from CJ E&M told Soompi that on Oct. 26 at approximately 4 a.m., Lee was found dead inside a hotel room located in Seoul's Gangnam district. The police are investigating the death as a suicide as no foul play is suspected.
Lee started working at CJ E&M in January and his unexpected death even before completing one year at the Korean media giant has left investigators stumped. His death has raised several questions about whether he took the drastic step due to work pressure.
Lee's friends from Seoul University, where he graduated, stated that the producer was depressed and miserable because of the unfair way he was being treated at CJ E&M as a result of his background. His family members have also demanded an investigation to determine the real reason behind his suicide.
The family also did not allow any one from CJ E&M from attending the funeral service at the Seoul University Hospital, but around 2,000 university students came to pay their last respects to Lee. The producer reportedly left a suicide note addressed to his family members, but only a portion of it has been revealed by his kin.
Lee's family also held a meeting with representatives from CJ E&M and tvN, demanding that the producer's honor and reputation be restored. The family has also formed an investigation committee, which comprises of two congressmen, lawyers and the student union among others, and has asked CJ E&M to co-operate with the investigation.
"Even if we don't win, we will fight against CJ...We thank all the people who are standing by us for [Lee's] restoration of reputation and honor," the family said in a statement to AllKPop. It is not entirely clear as to what exactly happened between the producer and CJ E&M / tvN, but the family is ready to take matters to court should the need arise.
Check out the trailer of “Drinking Solo” below: