K-drama star Song Jae-lim dies aged 39

A South Korean K-drama actor has tragically died aged 39.

Song Jae-lim, who was known for starring in the TV series Moon Embracing the Sun, was found dead at his home in Seoul on November 7, according to Seoul Seongdong Police.

His body was found by a friend, who arrived at the apartment around 12.30pm to have lunch with Song, police added.

A 'two-page letter' was reportedly found at the scene, Korean outlet Soompi reports. Police said that there were 'no signs of foul play'. Song's cause of death is not yet known. 

Song's family said in a statement to Yonhap News Agency that they will hold a small funeral in Seoul for family members. 

It is understood that Song will be laid to rest on November 14.

The K-drama actor had his debut in the film Actresses in 2009 before become a star with his role as a loyal bodyguard to the king in the 2012 show Moon Embracing the Sun.

Song also appeared in the reality show We Got Married in 2014 as well as K-dramas like Cool Guys, Hot Ramen, Inspiring Generations, Two Weeks, Secret Mother and Queen Woo.

The 39-year-old recently starred in the musical La Rose De Versailles and had his last performance on October 13.

Fans have shared their heartbreak over Song's death on social media, with one writing they couldn't believe he had died and another adding the news 'saddened and shocked' them. 

'Another horrible incident has happened, and another young artist has died too early,' a third wrote, alluding to the string of young South Korean celebrities dying in recent years.

K-drama actress Park Soo Ryun tragically died at the age of 29 in June 2023. The actress who starred in the popular Disney+ K-drama Snowdrop died after falling down a set of stairs.

She was taken to hospital for emergency treatment but was pronounced brain-dead despite attempts to revive her.

Read More

Inside South Korea's celebrity death curse: As Disney+ actress Park Soo-ryun, 29, becomes latest to die, how multiple tragedies have rocked K-pop and K-drama in recent years 

Sadly, Park Soo Ryun is just one of the latest South Korean celebrities to die at a tragically young age as the country grapples with a string of deadly misfortunes and a soaring mental health crisis.

While scores of actors, K-Pop stars and other South Korean celebrities have been victims of suicide due to mental illness, many have also died in devastating accidents and even horrifying murders.

Just two months prior to Park Soo Ryun's death, South Korean actress and model Jung Chae-yul, who gained notoriety for her role in Zombie Detective, was found dead in her home at the age of 26. 

Shortly after, K-Pop star Moonbin was also found dead in his apartment in a suspected suicide. The singer, actor, dancer and model was just 25.

And in early June 2023, glamorous South Korean influencer BJ Ahyeong, a K-pop DJ, was found dead and dumped in a pit in Cambodia weeks after she quit her social media career. 

For confidential support, call the Samaritans on 116123 or visit a local Samaritans branch. See www.samaritans.org for details.