Fans are reeling, social media is ablaze, and the South Korean entertainment world is in shock. Song Young-Kyu—a beloved actor known for scene-stealing turns in “Extreme Job,” “Big Bet,” and “Hwarang”—was found dead inside a car in Yongin on August 4, 2025. He was 55.
Song Young-Kyu Found Dead: The End of a Storied Career
The veteran actor’s body was discovered early Sunday morning by an acquaintance at a townhouse complex in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province. There were “no signs of foul play,” according to police, and no suicide note was found at the scene. Song’s sudden, tragic death comes just weeks after a headline-grabbing DUI scandal and a wave of online scrutiny that rocked his professional and personal life.
Authorities say Song was deeply distressed by harsh media coverage and malicious comments following his drunk driving incident in June, which led to his removal from high-profile projects. Investigations into the exact cause of his death are ongoing, though officials have already ruled out anything suspicious.
DUI Scandal and Its Consequences
Song’s downfall seemed to begin on June 19, 2025, when he was caught driving drunk. His blood alcohol level—over 0.08%—got his license revoked on the spot. South Korea’s unforgiving public opinion and strict standards for celebrities meant the backlash was immediate: Song was axed from stage plays, TV dramas, and even had his role in “The Defects” significantly edited out.
He never made a public statement about it, but close friends and insiders point to the stress and isolation caused by the incident. One source heartbreakingly revealed, “He was distressed by the malicious articles and comments, and the circumstances were extremely unfavourable at that time”.
The Legacy of Song Young-Kyu: More Than Just “Extreme Job”
While the scandal casts a long shadow, it’s impossible to overlook Song’s three-decade career. The actor began with stage productions in 1994 before landing TV and film roles that made him a regular in living rooms and cinemas.
His turn as Detective Squad Chief Choi in the 2019 blockbuster “Extreme Job” remains iconic, helping propel the movie to record-breaking box office success. Audiences also cherished his performances in hits like “Big Bet,” “Hwarang,” “Reply 1988,” and “The Penthouse”. Whether it was a gritty supporting role, a comic turn, or a stern authority figure, Song’s range never stopped impressing.
Family, Grief, and the Unanswered Questions
Song Young-Kyu is survived by his wife—who runs a cafe business—and two daughters. As of now, his family has not released any public statements, but tributes and condolences from fans and colleagues continue to pour in. He leaves behind both a formidable body of work and a conversation about the unforgiving nature of fame in South Korea.
It’s a bitter twist to a storied career. Song Young-Kyu’s death is a reminder of the human cost behind every headline and the intense pressure faced by stars on and off the screen. The entertainment world will remember the laughter and drama he brought to millions—and mourn the man lost too soon.
