South Korean entertainment industry mourns the loss of song young kyu after the veteran actor was found dead in a car in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province, on Monday, August 4, 2025. The shocking development comes just a week after his involvement in a high-profile DUI scandal that stirred significant controversy and public backlash across Korea.
Song Young Kyu, 55, best known for his dynamic roles in hits like “Extreme Job,” “Narco-Saints,” and the historical drama “Hwarang,” was discovered by an acquaintance at approximately 8:00 a.m. KST inside a parked vehicle. Authorities from the Yongin Dongbu Police Station confirmed the tragic news, noting there were no signs of foul play or a suicide note found at the scene. Police have stated that an investigation is ongoing to confirm the exact circumstances of Song’s passing, including discussions with his family. They are also considering whether to conduct an autopsy for further clarity.
A Career Marked by Versatility
Born in 1970, Song Young Kyu began his career with a children’s musical in 1994 and quickly rose to prominence on both stage and screen. His performance as Chief Choi in the smash hit “Extreme Job” cemented his place as a beloved supporting actor. He continued to impress critics and audiences alike with roles in cutting-edge TV series like “Narco-Saints” and Disney+’s “Big Bet.” In the drama “Hwarang,” he played Queen Jiso’s brother, appearing alongside BTS member Kim Taehyung (V).
Backlash Following DUI Scandal
Song’s death comes just one week after the fallout from a DUI incident that occurred on June 19. Reports confirm that he drove approximately 5km under the influence in Yongin, with a blood alcohol level over 0.08%—enough to merit an immediate license revocation. Although the incident happened in June, it only became widely known in late July, triggering a storm of criticism and media scrutiny.
As a result, Song voluntarily stepped down from stage and screen projects. His role in the play “Shakespeare in Love” ended abruptly, and producers of ongoing dramas “The Defects” (ENA) and “The Winning Try” (SBS) announced his scenes would be minimized or edited out where possible. Despite the controversy, Song remained a part of several projects airing at the time of his death, with some editors opting to keep his already-filmed scenes to preserve continuity.
Timeline of Recent Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| June 19, 2025 | DUI incident in Yongin; later prosecuted |
| Late July 2025 | DUI case becomes public, leading to backlash |
| August 4, 2025 | Song Young Kyu found dead in car at 8:00 a.m. |
Industry Reactions and Ongoing Investigation
Song’s sudden death has sent shockwaves throughout the Korean entertainment world. Fans continue to mourn the actor’s passing, sharing memories and cherished performances on social media. Industry insiders cite the combination of relentless media attention and negative comments as factors that may have intensified Song’s distress in his final days.
Police investigations remain in progress, and family members are assisting authorities to clarify any lingering questions about his last days and state of mind. There is no suggestion of foul play, but officials have not ruled out an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.
Song Young Kyu is survived by his wife and two daughters. His funeral is scheduled for August 6 at HamBaekSan Memorial Park.
Song Young Kyu’s talent, dedication, and versatility made him a significant figure in South Korean entertainment. His sudden passing has left a void in the hearts of colleagues and fans alike.
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