Production team and actors express condolences through SNS
The sudden news of actor Song Young-kyu's (aged 55) death has led to an outpouring of tributes from both within and outside the entertainment industry.
On the 4th, the production team of the SBS drama "Try: We Become a Miracle" released a statement saying, "We express our deep condolences for the unfortunate news of the deceased, and we sincerely offer our condolences to the bereaved family." Song Young-kyu was playing the role of a rugby coach in this drama.
Actor Jang Hyuk-jin paid tribute to the deceased on social media, writing, "Hyung, it must have been very difficult, scary, and worrying. I should have called at least." He added, "Goodbye. You were such a good person to me. Let's meet again later. Rest well."
Fellow actors Song Il-kook, Lee Gyu-hyung, Jo Woo-jin, Choi Won-young, Jung Sung-il, Kim Min-sang, musical actor Seo Beom-seok, and the couple Lee Jang-woo and Park Dae-hee expressed their condolences by sending wreaths. Fans also left farewell messages on the deceased's last Instagram post, commenting, "I hope you are happy there," and "You were an actor who shone heavily at the center."
"Papa will be working hard to support you"… A choice for the family, deeper sorrow
As the life of the deceased is being re-examined, the sorrow over the burdens he carried during his life is also growing. In a 2020 appearance on tvN's "The Amazing Cleaning," Song Young-kyu revealed his financial difficulties, stating, "I moved from an apartment where I lived for 11 years to a semi-basement villa."
At that time, he explained, "It was a decision made for the education of my two daughters," adding, "The eldest is studying abroad in the U.S., and the youngest is majoring in musical theatre and has entered a performance arts high school. Although the burden of overseas study expenses was heavy, their will was so strong that I couldn't stop them. I said, 'Go ahead, Dad will work hard to support you.'"
Starting from minor roles to 'Extreme Job'… A continuous acting journey
Song Young-kyu debuted in 1994 with the children's musical "Murtle Dosa" and has showcased extensive acting across theater, film, and drama.
He first gained recognition on television in the 2007 MBC drama "Mary's Kitchen," and later received critical acclaim for unique supporting roles such as a corrupt prosecutor in "The Chaser," Manager Ma in "Law School," and the director in "Stove League."
His representative work that made him widely known is the movie "Extreme Job" (2019), where he left a deep impression as Chief Choi. He also contributed to OTT series such as "Suriname" and "Casino."
Drunk driving incident changed his life entirely
However, on June 19, he became embroiled in controversy when he was reported for driving about 5 km from Giheung-gu to his home in Cheoin-gu, Yongin, while intoxicated (violating road traffic laws). At that time, it was reported that his blood alcohol concentration was at a level that would lead to license suspension (0.08% or more).
As a result, he withdrew from the play "Shakespeare in Love," and some scenes in the dramas ENA's "I Shopping" and SBS's "Try" were reportedly edited. Afterwards, he apologized, stating, "It is completely my fault. I sincerely apologize." In an interview with Ilgan Sports, he explained, "I called for a designated driver, but while conversing with an acquaintance, the driver left, and I made a wrong decision to take the wheel."
However, less than two weeks later, on August 4, Song Young-kyu was found dead in a vehicle in Cheoin-gu, Yongin. A citizen discovered the deceased inside the vehicle and reported it to the police, who are currently investigating the exact circumstances of his death.
Image source: Late Song Young-kyu / tvn 'The Amazing Cleaning,' News1, Photo: Sejong University.
