Song Young-kyu, a South Korean actor known for his roles in productions such as Extreme Job, Netflix’s Narco-Saints, and Big Bet, died on Monday, August 4, 2025. His family confirmed the news, stating that the star passed away suddenly and under mysterious circumstances. Here is what we know about his death.
How did Song Young-kyu die?
According to initial reports, Song was found lifeless by an acquaintance inside a car in Seoul. The vehicle was parked in a residential complex in Yongin. The discovery occurred around 8 a.m. local time, and according to South Korean authorities, no suicide note or signs of foul play were found. The cause of death is still under investigation.
Following the announcement of his passing, artists, friends, and family have paid tribute to him.
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How old was Song Young-kyu?
At the time of his death, the actor was 55 years old.
What was Song Young-kyu’s net worth?
Song Young-kyu’s net worth is not public; however, it is estimated that he earned a substantial income throughout his career, which included many films, series, plays, and other projects.
Who was Song Young-kyu?
Born in 1970, Song Young-kyu was a South Korean actor who left a significant mark on theater, film, and television. He graduated from the Department of Theater at the Seoul Institute of the Arts and began his career with the Seoul Municipal Musical Company. He officially debuted in 1994 with the children’s musical The Magic Teacher. From there, he became a familiar face in supporting roles across numerous dramas and films.
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Throughout his career, he appeared in a wide range of TV productions including Mary: The Sound of Harvest, Don’t Cry, My Love, My Happy Home, You Are Surrounded, Masked Prosecutor, Hyena, and Surinam, among others. His versatility allowed him to perform in different genres and styles, earning respect within the industry.
In film, his most notable role was as the head of the violent crimes unit in Extreme Job, a movie that broke records with over ten million viewers. He also starred in titles like Pandora, VIP, French Woman, Baseball Girl, and Land of Happiness. His work on the big screen included both independent and major productions, enriching his acting portfolio.
A theater lover, Song Young-kyu never abandoned his stage roots. He took part in acclaimed musicals such as Jesus Christ Superstar, Les Misérables, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Jekyll & Hyde, and Beauty and the Beast. He also stood out in classic plays like Uncle Vanya, The Seagull, and Shakespeare in Love, the latter premiering recently. His passion for theater remained constant throughout his life, balancing his career between stage and screen.
Tragically, his life was overshadowed in June when he was involved in an accident after driving under the influence of alcohol, exceeding the legal limit and driving approximately five kilometers under those conditions. This led to the revocation of his license and a pending legal investigation at the time of his death. Consequently, he was removed from three ongoing projects, including two dramas and a theatrical production.
