A familiar face from the vibrant South Korean audiovisual industry, actor Song Young-kyu, has passed away at the age of 55. The performer was found lifeless inside a car on Monday morning in a residential complex in the city of Yongin, Gyeonggi province, by an acquaintance who immediately alerted the authorities.
While the exact cause of death is still under investigation, police have stated that there were no initial signs of foul play. The news has shocked the South Korean entertainment world, where Song had built a solid and respected career since his debut in 1994.
The actor’s passing is sadly preceded by a recent controversy. Last June, Song Young-kyu was arrested for driving under the influence, a fact that became public in July and had significant repercussions on his career. In South Korea, where public figures are held to a high moral standard, such scandals often have an immediate and severe impact.
Following the incident, Song was forced to step down from the play “Shakespeare in Love” and was removed from the cast of the television series “The Defects” and “The Winning Try,” which were in production. According to sources close to the actor, he was deeply affected by the malicious comments and the unfavorable circumstances arising from the incident.
Born on April 18, 1970, Song Young-kyu began his career in a children’s musical, “Wizard Mureul.” From there, he built an extensive and versatile career that led him to work in over 40 television dramas and numerous films. His ability to portray a wide range of characters made him a sought-after supporting actor in the industry.
International audiences will remember him for his roles in successful Netflix series like “Narco-Saints” (2022) and the Disney+ production “Big Bet” (2022-2023). However, one of his most celebrated roles was as the gruff but endearing squad chief Choi in the 2019 box-office hit “Extreme Job,” a performance that earned him widespread acclaim. Other notable works in his filmography include “Hyena,” “Stove League,” “Partners for Justice,” and “Reply 1988,” one of the most beloved series in South Korean television history.
The passing of Song Young-kyu leaves a void in South Korean entertainment, not only because of the tragic circumstances surrounding his death but also for the loss of a talented and dedicated actor who was a constant and reliable presence on screens for thirty years. He is survived by his wife and two daughters.
