On August 4, 2025, it was confirmed that South Korean actor Song Young-kyu was found dead inside his car parked in a residential complex in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province, south of Seoul.
South Korean police said there were no signs of violence or suicide note at the scene. The exact cause of death is still under investigation, but the actor’s death has shocked the industry. .
Song Young-kyu’s outstanding career path
Song Young-kyu began his theatrical career in 1994, appearing in children’s plays, and gained recognition for his versatility over more than three decades in television, film and theater.
He achieved international fame thanks to his role as Chief Choi in the blockbuster action comedy Extreme Job (2019).
He also participated in series such as Narco-Saints (Netflix, 2022), Big Bet (Disney+), The Winning Try and The Defects (ENA).
Last June 19, Song was arrested for drunk driving in Yongin: he drove approximately 5 kilometers with a blood alcohol level above 0.08%, which led to the revocation of his license.
He was referred to the prosecutor’s office without detention.
Following the incident, he was removed from the theatrical production Shakespeare in Love and his participation in the dramas The Defects and The Winning Try was reduced. The productions faced difficulties in editing his participation. .
Song publicly apologized, acknowledging his mistake and professionally impacting colleagues and productions.
Finding of the body and legal protocol
The body was found around 8:00 a.m. on August 4, inside his car parked near a house in Cheoin-gu, Yongin. A close friend found him and notified the police.
No signs of aggression or altercations were identified.
The official investigation is ongoing to determine whether it was a medical accident, natural causes or another origin.
The authorities are expected to report preliminary results in the next few days.
Legacy and emotional impact among fans and the industry
Song’s passing has shocked the Korean entertainment industry and global Hallyu fans.
Colleagues and fans highlighted his professionalism and reliable presence playing unforgettable supporting characters.
Contributors lamented his sudden departure and the inevitable reconfiguration of productions still on the air or about to premiere.
La presión para los actores, cantantes, bandas de música y famosos en Corea del Sur es fuerte, pues al mínimo error, los crucifican y les ocasionan daños emocionales bastante pesados
Relevance to the Hispanic community
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Global k-drama and k-film culture: his role in Narco-Saints and Extreme Job was widely viewed by Latino audiences on platforms such as Netflix and Disney+.
Reflection of media pressure: his relapse in a DUI scandal shows how public exposure and censorship in Korea can profoundly affect artists.
Importance of mental health and artistic support: his sudden death follows public disputes and silenced projects, reminding us of the emotional fragility of public figures.
Song Young-kyu, a 55-year-old South Korean actor, was found lifeless in his car in Yongin on August 4, 2025.
With a solid career of more than 30 years in film, television and theater, he was recognized for his participation in Extreme Job, Narco-Saints and Big Bet.
In June he was implicated in a DUI case that led him to withdraw from several projects. His death shows no signs of violence or suicide, and the investigation is expected to reveal the causes in the coming days.
The South Korean industry and fans around the world express their deep sorrow for the loss of an entertainment icon.
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