Song Young-kyu Passes Away After Withdrawing from Latest Drama Project

Light House Denver – South Korean actor Song Young-kyu was reportedly found dead early on Monday morning, August 4, 2025, in Yongin. According to local media reports, he was found unconscious inside a vehicle around 8:00 a.m. local time in the Cheoin-gu district of Yongin, Gyeonggi Province.

A friend who discovered him in that state immediately reported the situation to the police. The East Yongin Police Station later confirmed his death and stated that the exact cause is still under investigation. As of now, his family and agency have not released any official statement regarding further details.

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DUI Case and Exit from Acting Projects

Before his passing, Song Young-kyu had recently been involved in a legal case. On June 19, authorities indicted him without detention for allegedly driving under the influence. He reportedly drove about 5 kilometers from Giheung-gu to Cheoin-gu in Yongin around 11 p.m. The incident attracted significant public and media attention.

Following the controversy, Song decided to withdraw from the drama project Shakespeare in Love. Meanwhile, production teams for two other dramas in which he appeared, Try (SBS) and The Defects (ENA), stated they are currently discussing how to edit or reduce his appearances as much as possible.

A Longstanding Career in Acting

Born in 1970, Song Young-kyu began his career in the entertainment industry in 1994 with a children’s musical titled Merutal Dosa. He became widely known as a talented character actor, respected for his strong performances both on television and in film.

One of his most well-known roles was as Chief Choi in the box office hit Extreme Job. He also appeared in a number of popular dramas such as Suriname, Casino, Love Scout, as well as the recent projects Try and The Defects.

Condolences from Fellow Artists and Fans

News of Song Young-kyu’s death has shocked many. Several fellow actors expressed their sorrow and sense of loss at the sudden passing of someone they described as humble, kind, and highly dedicated to his craft. Fans also flooded social media with tributes and hashtags in honor of the late actor.

Although he rarely played leading roles, audiences recognized Song for bringing depth and uniqueness to every character he portrayed. His passing leaves a significant void in the South Korean entertainment industry.

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