Late actor Song Young-kyu made a poignant final appearance in the August 4 episode of ENA’s drama The Defects, leaving behind a powerful legacy through his role as Yoon Se-hoon, the morally complex head pastor of a mega-church involved in secret criminal dealings.
Episode 5 marked the character’s exit and Song’s final scenes, aired just hours after news of his death was confirmed. Yoon Se-hoon, adoptive father of protagonist Joo-an (Ahn Ji-ho), initially appeared to align himself with Kim Se-hee’s (Yeom Jung-ah) disturbing vision to legalize child trafficking and genetic manipulation through the so-called “Defects Act.” However, Se-hoon’s loyalty was revealed to be conditional, demanding financial gain in exchange for his support.
In a dramatic turn, Joo-an confronted and tasered his adoptive father in the church. Though the children managed to flee, Se-hoon reemerged — battered and broken — only to be killed by Jung-hyun (Dex), a genetically modified enforcer raised in the same corrupt system. The moment marked a tragic end for the character and the actor’s on-screen journey.
To honor the late actor, The Defects closed with an emotional tribute message. The broadcast struck a solemn tone as viewers mourned both the character’s and the actor’s departure.
Song Young-kyu passed away on August 4 at the age of 56. He had been under scrutiny for a drunk driving incident prior to the airing of The Defects, prompting the production team to state that his screen time would be minimized without affecting the plot. Despite the controversy, his performance resonated deeply with viewers.
He was also appearing in SBS’s The Winning Try, whose production team released a heartfelt statement: “We offer our deepest condolences for the heartbreaking news. We send our sincere sympathies to the bereaved family.”
Tributes from industry colleagues poured in. Fellow actor Jang Hyuk-jin shared: “You must have been scared and worried… I should’ve called you.” Lee Jong-hyuk visited the funeral home and wrote: “Did you hate the world that much? You always looked after me with affection… Class of ‘89, Seoul Institute of the Arts. We were supposed to play golf again.”
Jung Tae-woo also added, “To my beloved Young-kyu hyung, who always expressed love so openly — I love you.”
A memorial altar for Song Young-kyu has been set up at Dabos Hospital Funeral Hall, Room 1, in Yongin, and the funeral will be held on August 6 at 8 a.m., with burial at Ham-baek Mountain Memorial Park.
Sources: nate
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