South Korean actor Song Young‑Kyu found dead at 55 following DUI scandal
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South Korean actor Song Young‑Kyu, aged fifty-five, was tragically found dead inside his parked car in Cheoin-gu, Yongin, a city just south of Seoul, at approximately 8 AM KST on August 4, 2025. An acquaintance discovered him and alerted authorities, who confirmed there were no signs of foul play or a suicide note at the scene. Young‑Kyu had recently been involved in a drunk‑driving incident on June 19, allegedly driving from Giheung-gu to Cheoin-gu with a blood alcohol level above South Korea’s legal limit. He was sent to prosecutors and lost roles in multiple productions, including the stage production Shakespeare in Love and television dramas ‘The Defects’ and ‘The Winning Try’.
With a three‑decade career starting in a children’s musical in 1994, Song appeared in theatre, film and television—including over fifty productions. He was best known internationally for playing Chief Choi in the 2019 blockbuster ‘Extreme Job’. Additional credits include roles in series such as Narco‑Saints and Big Bet, as well as supporting performances in titles like ‘Hwarang’, ‘Casino’, ‘Toxic’ and ‘Land of Happiness’ (2024).
He is survived by his wife and two daughters. According to reports, Song had been living apart from his family for some time, possibly amid mounting personal and professional stress. The actor’s passing has sent shockwaves through fans and the entertainment community in South Korea, where public scrutiny and scandal often exert heavy emotional tolls on celebrities. An autopsy has been ordered to determine the cause of death, though authorities state there is no immediate reason to suspect criminal activity. His funeral was scheduled for August 6 at Hambaeksan Memorial Park.
Song’s unexpected passing comes at a time of ongoing debate over the pressures faced by public figures in South Korea, particularly following public missteps—as seen in comparable high-profile celebrity deaths in recent years. His fans remember him as a versatile character actor whose dry wit and understated performances left a lasting impression on Korean cinema and TV.
