Veteran South Korean actor Song Young‑kyu has died at the age of 55, his body discovered inside a parked car in a residential complex in Yongin, approximately 25 miles south of Seoul, on the morning of August 4, 2025 . The car was found by an acquaintance at around 8 a.m. local time. Police confirmed there were no signs of foul play and no suicide note recovered; an investigation is ongoing .
Song’s untimely death follows public fallout from a DUI incident in June 2025, where he was recorded driving several kilometers with a blood alcohol concentration above the legal limit, leading to his license revocation and professional setbacks . He was subsequently removed from three ongoing projects: two television dramas (The Defects and The Winning Try) and the stage production Shakespeare in Love .
With a career spanning over three decades, Song became known for his standout supporting roles in acclaimed works including the blockbuster film Extreme Job (2019), Netflix’s Narco-Saints, Disney+’s Big Bet, Tale of the Nine‑Tailed, Hyena, Hot Stove League, and more . His portrayal of Chief Choi in Extreme Job earned him national recognition and cemented his place in the industry .
His passing has deeply affected fans and colleagues alike. Messages of condolence have poured in, and his death has reignited discussion about mental health and the pressures of media scrutiny in South Korea’s entertainment sector . Song is survived by his wife and two daughters .
