On the morning of August 4, 2025, at around 8 a.m., the lifeless body of veteran South Korean actor Song Young-kyu (aged 55) was discovered inside a parked car in a residential townhouse complex in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province. A friend, upon noticing him unresponsive, alerted the police. Authorities have stated there were no signs of foul play and no suicide note found at the scene. A forensic investigation is underway.
Who Was Song Young-kyu?
- Born in 1970, Song Young-kyu debuted in 1994 through the children’s musical Merutal Dosa.
- He enjoyed a career spanning three decades in theatre, television, and film, earning a reputation for versatility.
- He rose to prominence with his role as “Chief Choi” in the 2019 box office hit comedy Extreme Job.
- International audiences also remember him from Narco-Saints (2022, Netflix), Big Bet (2022-23, Disney+), and the historical drama Hwarang, where he played the elder brother of Queen Jiso, sharing the screen with BTS’s V.
The DUI Controversy Before His Death
On the night of June 19, 2025, Song Young-kyu was caught driving under the influence in Yongin after traveling about 5 kilometers. His blood alcohol content was reportedly above the 0.08% legal limit for license cancellation.
The case was forwarded to prosecutors, but the incident only became public in late July.
Following the revelation, Song voluntarily withdrew from the stage play Shakespeare in Love. Two television projects—ENA’s The Defects (also known as I Shopping) and SBS’s The Winning Try—decided to edit or limit his scenes. The sudden career setback reportedly took an emotional toll on him.
The Morning of the Incident
The location was a quiet residential area in Yongin. Around 8 a.m., a friend found Song unconscious in his car and called emergency services.
Police confirmed:
- No visible injuries or signs of struggle
- No suicide note left behind
The exact cause of death remains undetermined, and an autopsy is expected to clarify whether it was suicide, accident, illness, or another factor.
Career Highlights
From his 1994 theatre debut, Song Young-kyu went on to appear in numerous acclaimed dramas and films:
- Stove League
- Suriname (Narco-Saints)
- Casino (Big Bet)
- My Perfect Secretary
- Ghost Clients
- Destined With You
His acting was often described as grounded, sincere, and emotionally rich, making him one of South Korea’s most reliable character actors.
Family, Funeral, and Public Reaction
Song is survived by his wife and two daughters. His family was informed on August 4 itself.
Funeral arrangements were made at the Yongin Davos Hospital Funeral Home, Special Hall No. 1. The funeral procession took place on August 6 at 8 a.m., with burial at Mount Humbaksan Memorial Park.
Fans and colleagues flooded social media with condolences:
- “Rest in peace” (삼가 고인의 명복을 빕니다)
- “May you find comfort and peace” (편히 쉬길 바란다)
The South Korean entertainment industry expressed shock and sadness at the sudden loss.
Reflection on His Passing
Song Young-kyu’s life was that of a skilled actor, devoted family man, and respected professional—yet his final months were clouded by controversy. The public backlash from the DUI case, combined with his withdrawal from projects, appears to have weighed heavily on him.
His death comes while two TV series featuring him were still in production, with producers now re-editing or reducing his appearances. While he may never again grace the stage or screen with new performances, his memorable roles in Extreme Job, Hwarang, and numerous other works ensure his legacy will live on.
The police investigation continues, aiming to determine the precise cause of death. Until then, speculation should be avoided, and respect should be given to his grieving family. Song Young-kyu’s passing serves as a reminder that behind the glamour of the entertainment industry often lie personal struggles unseen by the public.
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