South Korean actor Song Young-Kyu succumbs to death
Song Young-Kyu, a renowned South Korean actor known for his roles in K-dramas like Big Bet, Hwarang, and Hot Stove League, was found dead in a car on Sunday at a townhouse complex in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province. The police reported no signs of foul play, but the exact cause of his death remains unknown [1][2][3].
The actor, who was 55 years old at the time of his death, had been involved in a drunk driving incident in June 2025, with a blood alcohol concentration over the legal limit. This led to public backlash and his removal from several acting roles, including ENA's The Defects, SBS's The Winning Try, and the stage play Shakespeare In Love [1][2][3].
In South Korea, celebrities are held to a higher moral standard, and controversies often lead to heavy scrutiny and impact on career. The incident resulted in Song Young-Kyu's arrest by the Yongin Eastern Police Station, and an investigation into his death has been launched [1][2][3].
The investigation is ongoing, and no further details about the circumstances surrounding his death have been released. The Defects, a show he had already shot for, issued a statement stating that his screen time would be restricted following the controversy [1].
Song Young-Kyu is survived by his wife and two daughters. At this time, no new information about a potential Season 2 of Netflix's Untamed, a series he was set to star in, has been provided.
[1] https://www.koreaboo.com/news/song-young-kyu-dead-korean-actor-dies-dui-scandal/ [2] https://www.soompi.com/article/1436114wpp/song-young-kyu-dead-south-korean-actor-found-dead-in-car-at-55-years-old [3] https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-62792900
- Despite the controversial drunk driving incident that led to the loss of several acting roles, Song Young-Kyu's talent in food shows and entertainment industry was still anticipated, particularly in the Netflix series Untamed.
- The public backlash and loss of roles due to the controversy not only affected Song Young-Kyu's entertainment career but also exposed the high standards South Korean celebrities face, with scandals often resulting in heavy scrutiny and career impact.
