Veteran Korean actor Song Young-Kyu found dead in vehicle, days after drunk driving scandal

Song Young Kyu found dead in vehicle days after drunk driving scandal

South Korean actor Song Young-Kyu, best known for his role in The Defects, has been found dead at the age of 55. Just a week ago, the veteran actor was in the news for a DUI incident that shook both his career and public image. According to reports from the Yongin Eastern Police Station, Song was discovered unconscious in a parked vehicle near his townhouse in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province. He was declared dead at the scene around 8:00 AM on Sunday.

Authorities are still investigating the cause of death. While the police have refrained from making any definitive statements, the context surrounding Song’s recent troubles is drawing public scrutiny.

Back in July, Song was booked without detention after a citizen reported him for driving under the influence. His blood alcohol level reportedly exceeded 0.08%, the legal limit in South Korea. As a result, his license was revoked and he was removed from a stage production of Shakespeare in Love. The incident was seen as a major blow to his decades-long career. Public backlash followed swiftly, amplified by intense media coverage and online commentary.

According to a Koreaboo report, a source close to the actor said Song had been distressed by the negative press and public judgment, calling the environment “extremely unfavorable” and emotionally taxing. It’s still unclear whether the incident played a direct role in his death, but the timing has stirred speculation.

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Song Young-Kyu began his acting journey in 1994 with the children’s musical Wizard Mureul. Over the years, he carved out a respected space in the Korean entertainment industry with consistent performances in television, film, and theatre. Most recently, he played Pastor Yoon Se Hoon in ENA’s drama Eye Shopping. Following the DUI incident, The Defects production team confirmed that they would be editing his appearance in upcoming episodes, though minimal changes were planned to preserve the plot’s integrity.

As tributes pour in from fans and colleagues, the industry mourns the loss of a seasoned performer whose final days were clouded by controversy. The police are yet to release an official cause of death, and further updates are awaited as the investigation continues.