Veteran South Korean actor Song Young-kyu, aged 55, was found dead early today in a parked car in Cheoin-gu, Yongin, just south of Seoul. According to police, he was discovered around 8 a.m. by an acquaintance, with no signs of foul play or suicide at the scene.
The sudden death comes only weeks after a highly publicised drunk-driving incident that saw him referred to prosecution and removed from multiple acting projects. With no immediate cause established, the entertainment industry and fans are grappling with shock, unanswered questions and a deep sense of loss.
Discovery in Yongin
At approximately 08:00 Korean Standard Time (KST), authorities responded to an emergency call from a residential parking lot in Cheoin-gu, Yongin, where Song was found unresponsive inside his parked vehicle. The acquaintance who made the discovery immediately contacted police.
An initial inspection revealed no signs of violence or struggle, and no suicide note was found. Investigators have ordered an autopsy to determine the cause of death, with results awaited by family, colleagues and fans seeking closure after the sudden loss.
A Career Spanning Three Decades
Born in 1970, Song began his acting career in 1994 with a children's musical and went on to become one of South Korea's most prolific character actors, with more than 100 credits across theatre, television and film.
He is perhaps best known internationally for his role as Chief Choi in the 2019 blockbuster comedy Extreme Job, which became one of Korea's highest-grossing films. On television, he earned acclaim for appearances in series such as Reply 1988, the award-winning sports drama Hot Stove League, the gritty crime series Narco-Saints, and Casino, showcasing his adaptability across genres.
The DUI Incident
On 19 June, police reported that Song drove around five kilometres from Giheung-gu to Cheoin-gu while heavily intoxicated, recording a blood alcohol level above 0.08%, South Korea's legal limit. He was referred to the Suwon District Prosecutors' Office without arrest.
The incident cost him a role in the stage play Shakespeare in Love and led to planned edits in ongoing dramas including The Defects and The Winning Try. Industry observers suggest the public backlash may have placed him under severe emotional strain.
Industry Reaction and Tributes
News of Song's passing has prompted widespread grief. Around two thousand fans, colleagues and industry figures have expressed condolences, with many remembering him for his versatility, professionalism and sharp wit.
Production teams behind The Defects and The Winning Try are now working to re-edit episodes to adjust for his absence. Actors' unions and national film bodies have urged the public and media to handle reporting on his death with care, noting the sensitivity of the ongoing investigation.
Originally published on IBTimes UK
