'Reply 1988' actor Song Young-kyu found dead at 55
Authorities said there were no signs of foul play. An investigation is ongoing, with plans to question family members to determine the circumstances surrounding his death.
The veteran actor, best known for his supporting role as the gruff squad chief in the 2019 box office hit Extreme Job, had been under scrutiny since late July, when it was revealed he had been arrested for drunk driving on June 19.
Police said Song drove roughly 5km in Yongin with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% – above the legal threshold for license revocation. The case had been forwarded to prosecutors and was awaiting indictment.
In the wake of the incident, Song was dropped from two high-profile dramas currently in production – ENA's The Defects and SBS' The Winning Try – as well as the stage play Shakespeare In Love.
Such swift removals are common in South Korea's entertainment industry, where public figures are held to strict moral standards.
Following his 1994 debut, Song built a steady acting career over three decades, appearing in more than 40 television dramas and numerous films.
He was known to international audiences for his roles in Netflix's Narco-Saints and Disney+'s Big Bet, both released in 2022. – The Korea Herald/Asia News Network
Those suffering from mental health issues or contemplating suicide can reach out to the Mental Health Psychosocial Support Service (03-2935 9935 or 014-322 3392); Talian Kasih (15999 or 019-261 5999 on WhatsApp); Jakim's Family, Social and Community care centre (011-1959 8214 on WhatsApp); and Befrienders Kuala Lumpur (03-7627 2929, visit www.befrienders.org.my/centre-in-malaysia for a full list of numbers and operating hours, or email sam@befrienders.org.my.
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