Latest news with #SongYoung-kyu
New Straits Times
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
Tributes pour in from drama productions after actor Song Young-kyu dies
SOUTH Korean actor Song Young-kyu has died at the age of 55, prompting official statements from two dramas he was recently involved in. The production team behind The Winning Try said in a statement, "We express our deepest condolences over the heartbreaking news and sincerely wish the deceased peace. We also extend our heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved family." They added that the drama was pre-produced, with most episodes already delivered to streaming platforms. Only minimal editing will be done to later episodes. The Defects team also shared a statement: "We express our condolences on the tragic news of the late Song Young-kyu and pray for his peaceful rest. The Defects has already been fully edited and will air without additional modifications." Song, known for his versatility and strong screen presence, appeared in many dramas and films over the years, including Voice and My Golden Life.
India Today
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- India Today
Korean actor Song Young-kyu found dead in car weeks after DUI incident
Actor Song Young-kyu was found dead inside a car on the morning of August 4, 2025, in the Cheoin-gu district of Yongin, Gyeonggi to a report in Soompi, the actor's body was discovered by an acquaintance at around 8 am local time. After the body was found, officers from the Yongin Dongbu Police Station arrived at the confirmed that there were no signs of foul play, nor was any suicide note found. An investigation is ongoing to determine the exact cause of death; autopsy details have not yet been Young-kyu was convicted in a DUI (driving under the influence) case on June 19, 2025. He was accused of driving approximately 5 km from Giheung-gu to Cheoin-gu while intoxicated. The incident occurred in June but came to public attention in July. According to reports, Song was deeply distressed by mounting negative coverage and online scrutiny. "He was distressed by the malicious articles and comments, and the circumstances were extremely unfavourable at that time,' as quoted by is Song Young-kyu? Song Young-kyu began his acting career in the Children's musical 'Wizard Museul' (also known as Mertel Dosa) in 1994, then transitioned to a steadily successful career in theatre, film, and television. He gained international recognition for his role as Chief Choi in the 2019 hit film 'Extreme Job', which was a box office success, and later appeared in series such as 'Narco-Saints' and 'Big Bet'. Song's last projects were 'The Defects' and 'The Winning Try', both of which faced editing challenges following his timing of the death, just weeks after the DUI scandal, has sparked public conversation about the stress and pressure faced by celebrities in South Korea's highly scrutinised entertainment culture. Song's death also recalls previous high-profile cases, such as that of Lee Sun-kyun, another prominent actor found dead in a vehicle in 2023, prompting wider discussion on mental health and media scrutiny within the industry.- EndsYou May Also Like
Metro
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
Song Young-kyu, star of one of Korea's highest-grossing films ever, dies aged 55
South Korean actor Song Young-kyu, best known for starring in Extreme Job, has died aged 55. The actor was found unresponsive inside a parked car in Cheoin-gu, Yongin, south of the capital Seoul, around 8am local time, according to authorities. Police have confirmed there were no signs of foul play, and no suicide note was found, as reported by Variety. It was also said that the actor's body was discovered by an acquaintance. Song first rose to fame starring on stage in the children's musical Wizard Mureul in 1994. Over the subsequent three decades he appeared in theatre productions, movies and TV shows. But it was his role as Chief Choi in the 2019 film Extreme Job – which became one of South Korea's highest grossing films ever – which gained him international attention too. Throughout his career, Song also had notable roles in Trick, Stove League, Baseball Girk and Hyena. However, in June this year, he was put under the spotlight after being involved in a DUI incident. More Trending The actor was caught driving five kilometres with a blood alcohol concentration high enough for license revocation under South Korean law in the city of Yongin. Song was referred to prosecution without detention but soon after stepped down from the stage production of Shakespeare in Love. He was also removed or had his roles reduced in two dramas airing at the time – The Defects and The Winning Try. Song is survived by his wife and two daughters. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Junkyard frontman David Roach dies age 59 two weeks after tying the knot MORE: Burt Reynolds' ex-wife and 80s actress Loni Anderson dies aged 79 after 'prolonged' illness MORE: Country legend Jeannie Seely dies aged 85, months after her husband
New Straits Times
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: South Korean actor Song Young-kyu found dead at 55
SEOUL: South Korean actor Song Young-kyu, aged 55, was found dead in a parked car in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province, on Monday morning, according to police. The authorities have stated there are no signs of foul play and an investigation is underway, the Korea Herald reported. They plan to interview his family to better understand the circumstances of his death. A veteran actor with a career spanning three decades, Song was well-known for his supporting role as a tough squad chief in the 2019 box office hit Extreme Job. His international recognition grew with appearances in popular streaming series like Netflix's Narco-Saints and Disney+'s Big Bet, both released in 2022. The actor's career had recently come under intense scrutiny following a drunk-driving incident on June 19. Police revealed that Song had been arrested after driving approximately 5km in Yongin with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 per cent, which is above the legal limit for a driver's licence revocation. The case had been passed on to prosecutors, pending an indictment. In the wake of this incident, Song was swiftly removed 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. This swift industry response is common in South Korea, where public figures are held to strict moral standards.
Mint
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Mint
Song Young-kyu dies at 55: Key things to know about South Korean actor
South Korean actor Song Young-kyu died, just over a month after being involved in a drunk driving incident. He was 55. He is survived by his wife and two daughters. Several media reports stated that Song Young-kyu was found inside a car parked in a residential area in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province of South Korea. According to The Manila Times, the Yongin Dongbu Police Station confirmed that an acquaintance discovered the body at around 8 am (Korean Standard Time). Initial investigation found no signs of foul play, but authorities reportedly said the case remains under investigation. Earlier in June, Song was caught driving under the influence in Yongin, where he lived. He was arrested for drunk driving on June 19 with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 percent. Facing public backlash over he incident, Song withdrew from the stage production of 'Shakespeare in Love,' giving his final performance on July 25. The production teams behind his ongoing dramas, 'The Defects' and 'The Winning Try,' likewise announced they would edit out or significantly reduce his scenes. "The Defects" which he had already shot for, issued a statement which stated that his screen time would be restricted following the controversy. In South Korea, celebrities are held to a higher moral grounds and controversies often lead to heavy scrutiny and impact on career. 1. Song Young-kyu was born on April 18, 1970 in South Korea, accoridng to IMDB. He began his acting career in 1994 in a children's musical. 2. Following his 1994 debut, Song built a steady acting career over three decades, appearing in more than 40 television dramas and numerous films. 3. Since then, he had appeared in numerous TV shows, plays, and films. His notable projects included 'Reply 1988,' 'Hwarang,' 'The Penthouse 3,' 'Narco-Saints,' and 'Big Bet.' 4. Song was best known for playing Chief Choi in the 2019 action comedy film and box office hit 'Extreme Job'. 5. He was known to international audiences for his roles in Netflix's Narco-Saints and Disney+'s Big Bet, both released in 2022.
