On August 4, actor Song Young-kyu was found dead inside a vehicle located in a residential area in Cheoin-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi Province. He was 56 years old.
On August 5, a funeral wake was set up in Room 1 of the funeral hall at Davos Hospital in Yongin. His wife and two daughters were listed as the chief mourners.
Song Young-kyu had been under controversy for driving approximately 5 km in a heavily intoxicated state from Giheung-gu to Cheoin-gu in Yongin on July 19. This incident came to light belatedly at the end of July, sparking backlash. As a result, the production teams of ENA’s The Defects and SBS’s The Winning Try announced plans to minimize his screen time in the shows.
The entertainment industry was shaken by the sudden news of his passing, with many colleagues expressing deep sorrow and disbelief.
Moon Hee-kyung said, “We’ve lost such a precious junior. He was truly kind and worked hard at everything… It’s heartbreaking. I’m sorry I didn’t call to check on you more often. Now, rest peacefully, Young-kyu.”
Jung Tae-woo , posting a photo from the wake, wrote, “Young-kyu hyung always expressed love to us, his younger colleagues.”
Lee Jong-hyuk also wrote, “This is so heartbreaking… Was the world really that unbearable? I’m disappointed in your weakness. I never thought you’d do this… You always looked after me so kindly… Rest well, senior from Seoul Institute of the Arts Theater Class of ’89.” He also reminisced about a golf appointment the late actor failed to keep.
Ryu Seung-soo shared, “The first time I met you was during SBS drama The Chaser. I remember thinking, ‘How can someone act so convincingly evil?’ We used to act like rivals whenever we met, and the chemistry was amazing. I’m just glad I got to see your final performance. I can’t forget the bitter look on your face when you hugged me quietly after your play a week ago. You went through so much, hyung… Now rest peacefully. Sun-kyun hasn’t been gone long either…”
Musical actor Hwang Man-ik mourned, “Young-kyu hyung… You were my senior during school days, on stage, and even at our agency, where you brought me when I was struggling alone in broadcasting…” He added, “You always told me not to be weak and to stand proud wherever I go. But you, my hyung, weren’t supposed to go like this…” , sharing personal photos and memories with the late actor.
Following tributes from close colleagues, many others in the entertainment industry sent condolence wreaths to the wake.
Actors such as Hyun Bin, Park Myung-hoon, Lee Sang-yi, Ryu Seung-ryong, Yang Hyun-min, Noh Susanna, Oh Ji-ho, Yoon Kyung-ho, Jo Sung-ha, Cha Tae-hyun, Son Suk-ku, Ryu Soo-young, Namgoong Min, Jo Jung-suk, Hong Seo-beom & Jo Gap-kyung, Jung Hee-tae, Hong In-gyu, Oh Jung-tae, Yum Jung-ah, Park Sung-woong, Shin Eun-jung, Lee Si-eon, Jin Goo, Lee Sang-yoon and many more paid their respects.
In addition, PD Shin Won-ho , Director Lee Byung-heon , and drama PDs from KBS also sent condolence wreaths.
Netizens also expressed their grief with comments like, “This is such heartbreaking, unexpected news,” “He always showed different sides of himself in every project, and I liked that,” and “I think I’ll miss him for a long time.”
The funeral is scheduled for 8 AM on August 6, and the burial site is Hambaeksan Memorial Park.
Sources: 네이트 뉴스
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