Actor Song Young-kyu passes away

MANILA, Philippines — Korean website soompi.com has reported that actor Song Young-kyu has died suddenly, just over a month after being involved in a drunk driving incident.

Song Young-Kyu PHOTO FROM IMDB 

The 52-year-old actor’s body was found inside a car parked in a residential area in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province.

The Yongin Dongbu Police Station confirmed that an acquaintance discovered the body at around 8 a.m. (Korean Standard Time).

The initial investigation found no signs of foul play, but authorities said the case remains under investigation.

In June, Song was caught driving under the influence in Yongin, where he lived.

Following the incident and ensuing public backlash, 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.

Song — best known for playing Chief Choi in the 2019 action comedy film “Extreme Job” — began his acting career in 1994 in a children’s musical. 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.”

He is survived by his wife and two daughters.