Korean Actor Lee Seung Wook Quits Acting, Cites Personal Reason
Korean actor Lee Seung Wook has decided to leave the entertainment industry following the success of his debut movie. Lee recently starred in the hit Korean horror movie, Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum.
Lee has been gaining attention since he appeared in Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum. Many are expecting that he will further rise to stardom this year. However, Lee Seung Wook suddenly decided to put an end to his acting career. His agency released a statement stressing it is a personal reason and denying the rumor that the young actor is having some health issues.
"Following the filming of 'Gonjiam', Lee Seung Wook wanted to end his acting career and live a non-celebrity life due to personal reasons. It's not because there are issues or health concerns," the agency noted (via AllKpop).
Reports indicate that Lee also wrote in the bio section on his Instagram, "Don't worry everyone. Only I know the truth. #LetsGoTenMillion." It appears that the actor also had a change of heart and replaced the section with a "Just thank you" note for his fans.
South Korea-based publication OSEN reported that Lee was also absent in the movie's media preview in February and in promotional activities for the film in March. Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum director Jung Bum-Shik explained Lee's absence at the time, stating the actor had personal reasons for not attending the events. Fortunately for Lee's fans, he stays active on social media and still engages with them.
Lee Seung Wook In Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum
The horror movie premiered in South Korea on March 28. The story follows an internet broadcaster who recruits six others to explore and "experience the horror" at the abandoned Gonjiam Psychiatric Hospital. Apparently, 42 patients at the hospital committed suicide while the hospital director went missing in 1979. There have been strange stories about the facility since and an internet broadcaster wants to know if there is any truth to them.
The group plans to explore the psychiatric hospital and stream it on their online show. The show host also plans to play tricks on the guests to attract more viewers. However, things start to get out of hand when they stepped inside the place. Lee played the role of one of the recruits.
It is worth noting that the movie was filmed at Gonjiam Mental Hospital in Gwangju, Gyeonggi Province. Like the movie, the hospital is rumored to be haunted. The facility closed down in 1996 following a series of mysterious patient deaths. In 2013, CNN named Gonjiam Psychiatric Hospital as one of the seven freakiest places in the world.
Meanwhile, Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum is currently on top of the South Korean box office. Since its premiere last week, the movie has earned $10.2 million. South Korean distributor Showbox pre-sold the horror film to 47 countries, including Well Go USA for North America release.
