on Friday (January 12) called for a probe into the handling of drug abuse allegations involving late actor Lee Sun-kyun.

Last month, Lee was found dead in an apparent suicide after he faced police questioning three times.

The last time lasted for 19 hours overnight.

Bong read out a statement signed by more than 2,000 artists and 29 industry associations.

"We urge authorities to thoroughly investigate whether there were any problems with preventing the police probe from leaking during the two-month period - from when internal details of the deceased's case was first leaked to the point the deceased made the extreme choice."

The group said Lee suffered attacks on his reputation due to constant leaks about the investigation even after multiple drug tests came back negative.

They also denounced "sensational" coverage by some news outlets and YouTubers focusing on Lee's private life using unverified information.

Lee denied knowingly taking illegal drugs and said he was tricked by the bar hostess who later blackmailed him.

That's according to local news media before his death.

Calls to Incheon police, which investigated Lee went unanswered.

Its chief has denied violating security rules while expressing regret over his death.

Lee's death rekindled criticism from the entertainment industry and the public over often harsh and public nature of any criminal investigations involving celebrities.

He was the latest in a long line of South Korean artists and celebrities to take their lives.