The South Korean entertainment industry has been thrown into mourning following the sudden death of veteran actor Song Young-kyu, who passed away at the age of 55. Widely acclaimed for his powerful performances and particularly remembered for his role as Chief Choi in the 2019 blockbuster action-comedy Extreme Job, Song’s death marks a devastating blow to fans and colleagues alike.
According to multiple verified reports from Deadline, Variety, and South Korea's Yonhap News Agency, Song was found dead in a parked vehicle located within a residential complex in Yongin, a suburban city approximately 25 miles south of Seoul. The tragic discovery was made at around 8:00 a.m. on Monday, August 4, by an acquaintance who quickly notified authorities.
Police officials who responded to the incident have stated that there were no indications of foul play, nor was any suicide note recovered at the scene. The circumstances surrounding his death remain unclear, though preliminary findings suggest a natural or stress-induced cause pending an autopsy report.
Song Young-kyu's death comes just weeks after he was caught in a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) scandal in June 2025, a controversy that attracted widespread media attention and scrutiny. Authorities revealed that he had driven approximately three miles with a blood-alcohol concentration high enough to mandate an immediate revocation of his driver's license. The case was pending formal indictment before his untimely passing.
As a result of the DUI incident, several major entertainment productions swiftly severed ties with the actor. He was officially dropped from three upcoming projects: the television dramas The Defects and The Winning Try, as well as a high-profile stage adaptation of Shakespeare’s Shakespeare in Love. These professional setbacks had reportedly taken an emotional toll on the actor, according to sources close to him.
Despite recent controversies, Song Young-kyu remained a respected figure in Korean film and television. His breakout role in Extreme Job brought him international acclaim, and his presence on screen was widely praised for its charisma and authenticity. He continued to deliver outstanding performances in more recent works, including the Netflix original crime series Narco-Saints and the Disney+ hit Big Bet, both released in 2022.
Song’s death has sparked an outpouring of grief and tributes on social media from fans, actors, directors, and fellow entertainers, many of whom described him as a "brilliant, disciplined, and compassionate soul."
He is survived by his wife and two daughters, who have requested privacy as they grieve their loss.
Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced in the coming days, with memorial services likely to be held in Seoul.
