K-drama regular Song Young-kyu found dead following drink-driving incident

South Korean actor Song Young-kyu has died at 55 years old. 

He was found inside a parked vehicle in Cheoin District, Yongin, Gyeonggi Province in South Korea around 8am (7am Singapore time) today (Aug 4).

According to media reports, a woman discovered his body and notified the police, who are currently investigating the death. There are reportedly no signs of foul play. 

Young-kyu was arrested in June for drink-driving. Police had said his blood alcohol concentration was at a level that would result in licence revocation (above 0.08 per cent). The case was sent to the prosecutors and awaiting indictment.

When the news went public in July, he was dropped from the play Shakespeare in Love as well as upcoming dramas The Defects and The Winning Try.

An alleged close friend of Young-kyu told Osen he had been stressed over personal matters outside of the drink-driving incident, adding he had probably turned to alcohol to “forget the pain”.

According to the friend, who met him last year, he had been living apart from his wife and two daughters.

Young-kyu is a familiar face in K-dramas — he has appeared as supporting and guest roles for over 50 shows, with notable ones being 2022’s Big Bet and Narcos Saints.

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syarifahsn@asiaone.com