Korean Actor Song Young-Kyu Dies at 55 Amid Career Controversy

Korean actor Song Young-Kyu, best known for his role in the 2019 box office smash Extreme Job, has tragically passed away at the age of 55. Song was found dead inside a car in a residential complex in Yongin, just south of Seoul, early Monday morning, according to local police and media outlets.

Authorities were alerted when an acquaintance discovered Song Young-Kyu unresponsive in the vehicle at approximately 8 a.m. The exact cause of death has not been officially confirmed, but his passing comes after a turbulent period in his personal and professional life.

In June, Song Young-Kyu was involved in a drunk driving incident in Yongin, where his blood alcohol concentration was reportedly high enough to warrant immediate license revocation. The case had been forwarded to prosecutors and was awaiting formal indictment. The fallout was swift: Song was dropped from two major television dramas, The Defects and SBS’ The Winning Try, as well as the stage production of Shakespeare in Love.

Despite his recent controversies, Song Young-Kyu had a distinguished career spanning over three decades. He made his on-screen debut in 1994 and accumulated an impressive body of work with over 40 television dramas and numerous films. His notable projects include appearances in beloved series like Hwarang, Netflix’s Narco-Saints, and Disney+’s Big Bet. However, it was his comedic yet heartfelt role in Extreme Job that cemented his status as a household name, contributing to the film’s staggering success as one of Korea’s highest-grossing movies of all time.

Industry colleagues and fans alike have expressed shock and sorrow at the news of Song Young-Kyu’s untimely death. Many remember him not only for his versatile acting skills but also for his dedication to the craft and his mentorship of younger actors.

Song Young-Kyu is survived by his wife and two daughters. His family has requested privacy during this difficult time as they process their loss and make funeral arrangements.

The news has reignited conversations about the pressures faced by actors in the Korean entertainment industry, particularly regarding public scrutiny and the impact of scandals on their careers and mental health. While investigations are ongoing, fans are mourning the loss of an actor whose career was marked by both acclaim and recent struggles.