‘Drinking Solo’ producer reportedly commits suicide; Family seeks legal battle against CJ E&M/tvN

By diana / Nov 11, 2016 01:30 AM EST
(Photo : YouTube/DramaFever) Park Ha Sun and Ha Seok Jin in the 12th episode of "Drinking Solo."

"Drinking Solo" Producer Lee has reportedly taken his life on Oct. 26 in a hotel room in Gangnam.

According to Allkpop, Producer Lee was found dead at around 4 a.m. in the hotel where "Drinking Solo" cast and crew had their after-party. Following the unfortunate incident, Producer Lee's bereaved family is seeking to restore his reputation and honor.

As a result, the family reportedly had a meeting with CJ E&M/tvN for the demand. The two parties were joined by an investigative committee, which is comprised of two congressmen, a student union, lawyers and others.

Reports claimed Producer Lee's family refused to welcome CJ E&M/tvN staff at the funeral of the co-worker. However, some 2,000 students from Seoul University were permitted to pay their last respects to the producer.

Although no further details were revealed about the meeting of the family and CJ E&M/tvN, reports stated Producer Lee's kin will be taking a legal battle against the company.

Further reports revealed Producer Lee has left a note before committing suicide. However, the family did not divulge the content of the letter. "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.

The family also described Producer Lee as someone "too clean, too good for an abnormal organization." They added, "It is impossible for a fish that usually lives in the cleanest water to survive in waste water."

Producer Lee became the production producer of CJ E&M/tvN in January 2016. He was later appointed as the assistant producer of "Drinking Solo," which is a popular series among young Koreans.

According to Korea Times, "Drinking Solo" aimed to reflect the trend of going solo, whether to find sympathy or peace. The 16-episode Korean series aired from Sept. 5 to Oct. 25, which is why the production held an after-party on the same day.

However, what is supposed to be a night of celebration for the success of "Drinking Solo" turned out to be a tragedy after Producer Lee reportedly killed himself.