Separation from family… "Daily life has crumbled"

The late actor Song Young-kyu has suddenly passed away, and it has been reported that he lived apart from his family due to financial difficulties during his life.

On the 4th, entertainment media OSEN reported through an interview with a close acquaintance of Song Young-kyu that he had been under severe stress for a long time.

According to the report, the acquaintance A said, "In addition to the recent drunk driving incident, he already had a lot of stress. The decline in the number of projects led to a vicious cycle, and personal issues piled on, which left him very worn out. It seems he turned to alcohol to forget his anguish. Even though people around him advised against it, it’s unfortunate that it ended up this way."

Song Young-kyu continued his acting career while his wife ran a café to make a living, but it was reported that worsening economic conditions caused financial damage. Consequently, he ended up living separately from his family.

A stated, "When I saw him last year, he was living alone in an officetel in Bundang. In that situation, the drunk driving incident must have made the future feel hopeless. I think he was under unbearable stress."

Suspension of entertainment activities after being caught driving under the influence

On the night of June 19, Song Young-kyu was caught by police for driving under the influence from Giheung-gu to Cheoin-gu, a distance of about 5 km. At that time, it was reported that his blood alcohol concentration exceeded the legal limit of 0.08%. The police were dispatched following a report from a witness and apprehended him at the scene.

This incident came to light about a month later, leading to his departure from projects including the ENA drama "iShopping," SBS's "Tri: We Become a Miracle," and the play "Shakespeare in Love." The suspension of his activities was a significant blow to him as an actor.

Circumstances surrounding his death and funeral schedule

On the morning of the 4th, Song Young-kyu was found dead in a vehicle in Cheoin-gu, Yongin. A woman discovered him inside the car and reported it to the police, who are currently investigating the exact circumstances of his death.

The funeral hall has been set up in Room 1 at the Davos Hospital funeral home in Yongin, with his wife and two daughters listed as mourners. The funeral is scheduled for 8 AM on the 6th, and the burial site is at the Hambaeksan Memorial Park.

Since his debut in the children’s musical "Moteol Dosa" in 1994, Song Young-kyu earned recognition for his acting skills through supporting roles in numerous films, including "Extreme Job," "VIP," and "The Battle of Jangsari." He also served as a special professor in the Department of Acting Arts at Semyung University.

A close acquaintance said, "Drunk driving is certainly a wrong act, but Song Young-kyu had much talent and was a warm person. Although he faced various issues, he could have gradually worked through them, and it's too unfortunate."

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Image source: Late Song Young-kyu / News1, photo = Sejong University