Korean Ukrainian actor Pasha Lee, 33, dies from Russian shelling after joining war defense
By Ryan General
Pasha Lee, a 33-year-old Ukrainian actor of Korean descent, died on Sunday while defending his home country.
Lee joined the army after Russia invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24. He was killed from a shelling attack by Russian forces in Ukraine’s city of Irpin.
Before Russia’s invasion less than two weeks ago, Lee worked as an actor, singer, TV host and composer.
Serhiy Tomilenko, the president of the National Union of Journalists of Ukraine, shared news of Lee’s death on Facebook.
The Odesa International Film Festival (OIFF) celebrated his legacy by listing his acting roles in various films such as “Shadows of Unforgotten Ancestors,” “The Fight Rules” and “Meeting of Classmates,” among others.
“We call on the world community to help Ukraine in the fight against Russia and stop the war,” wrote the OIFF. “We urge you to close the sky over Ukraine immediately and continue to boycott Russian cinema.”
Lee was also known for his voice work, most notably in the Ukrainian dubbings of “The Hobbit” film series and the 2019 live-action remake of “The Lion King.”
Fellow colleagues and fans have taken to social media to mourn Lee’s death.
Ukrainian actor Anastasiya Kasilova, who co-starred with Lee in the TV show “Provincial,” wrote on Facebook that Lee “is an actor, TV presenter, my colleague and a good acquaintance… Never forgive!”
Meanwhile, Ivana Chubbuck, an American acting coach who worked with Lee during her last workshop in Ukraine, and Vlad Davidzon, the founding editor of Ukrainian magazine The Odessa Review, also posted about Lee.
The current conflict between Russia and Ukraine has claimed the lives of more than 351 civilians since Feb. 24.
Featured Image via @pashaleeofficial
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