Just weeks before his death, Song had been arrested on June 19 for driving under the influence with a blood alcohol level of 0.08%, a serious offense in South Korea.
By Peter Imini
In a heartbreaking twist to an already troubled chapter, South Korean actor Song Young-Kyu, renowned for his performances in dramas like Big Bet, Hwarang, and Hot Stove League, was found dead inside a parked car on Sunday in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province.
The 55-year-old actor had recently come under heavy public scrutiny following a drunk driving incident that led to the revocation of his license.
Just weeks before his death, Song had been arrested on June 19 for driving under the influence with a blood alcohol level of 0.08%, a serious offense in South Korea. The revelation, which surfaced publicly in late July, triggered a storm of backlash. The consequences were swift—he was dropped from ongoing productions, including the ENA drama The Defects, SBS’s The Winning Try, and a stage adaptation of Shakespeare in Love.
According to local media reports, he was found unconscious by an acquaintance, and no foul play or suicide note was discovered. Though the cause of death is still under investigation, sources close to him shared that he had been distressed by online criticism and the toll of public disgrace.
Song’s journey in entertainment began in 1994 with a children’s musical, and his career spanned theater, film, and television. He is survived by his wife and two daughters.
This tragedy adds to the growing conversation about mental health, media pressure, and public shaming in the South Korean entertainment industry.