Song Jae Rim, Renowned K-Drama Actor, Found Dead at 39
South Korean actor Song Jae Rim, beloved for his roles in popular K-dramas and films, was found dead on November 12 in his apartment in Seoul’s Seongdong District. He was 39 years old. According to local police, who confirmed the discovery through a statement from Seongdong Police Station, a two-page letter was found at the scene. While the exact cause of his death has not yet been established, authorities have indicated that there are currently no signs of foul play.
Born in 1985, Song Jae Rim first entered the entertainment industry as a runway model before making his acting debut in the 2009 film Actresses. He rose to prominence with his role in the 2012 historical drama The Moon Embracing the Sun, solidifying his place as a skilled and versatile performer. Song continued to build his career through notable roles in dramas such as Flower Boy Ramen Shop, Two Weeks, Unkind Ladies, and Inspiring Generation. He captivated audiences most recently in Queen Woo, where he portrayed the dethroned prince Go Pae Ui. This role is now known to be his last television appearance.
Song’s acting repertoire extended into film as well, with credits in The Suspect, Tunnel 3D, Yaksha: Ruthless Operations on Netflix, and other well-received projects. His talent also shone on the stage, with his most recent performance in the play The Rose of Versailles, which concluded on October 13, 2024.
Beyond scripted dramas, Song Jae Rim developed a strong following on the popular reality show We Got Married. Partnered with actress Kim So Eun in the show’s fourth season, the duo’s chemistry won them the Best Couple award at the 2014 MBC Entertainment Awards. Song’s participation on the show also earned him significant acclaim and fan admiration, bringing his warmth and humor to an even wider audience.
An engineering graduate from Chung-Ang University, Song made a striking career transition to the arts, earning respect for his passion and dedication to acting. His charm and versatility garnered him nominations and awards throughout his career, including two Soompi Awards nominations in 2015 for his work on The Idle Mermaid and We Got Married.
With several anticipated projects still unreleased, including the films I’ll Become Rich, Death Business, and Salmon, Song’s untimely death has left a gap in the entertainment world that fans and colleagues alike are struggling to reconcile. A memorial has been set up at Yeouido St. Mary’s Hospital Funeral Hall, where his family and friends are paying their final respects.