Actor Song Jae-rim Dies at 39

Song Je-rim, best known for appearing in K-dramas like Moon Embracing the Sun (2012) and Two Weeks (2013), has passed away. He was 39.

According to Korean media reports, police confirmed that Song was discovered dead earlier today at his residence in Seoul, South Korea. The authorities were notified after the actor’s friend found him and there exists no proof of homicide or illicit activity, except for a suicide note present at the scene. 

Song initially worked as a runway model before beginning his acting career in 2009 playing a photographer’s sidekick in the satirical drama film Actresses. He followed that with roles in a bunch of films and dramas.

Some of his notable movies are Grand Prix (2010), The Suspect (2013), Tunnel 3D (2014), The Snob (2019), and Yaksha: Ruthless Operations (2022).

Other than Moon Embracing the Sun and Two Weeks, Song had roles in popular television series, namely Secret Garden (2010), Cool Guys, Hot Ramen (2011), Big Man (2013), Secret Mother (2018), Clean with Passion for Now (2018–2019), and I Wanna Hear Your Song (2019). 

Song Jae-rim became a household name in South Korea while co-starring with Kim So-eun in the fourth season of We Got Married, an iconic Korean reality show that aired from 2008 to 2017. It follows artists who work through a variety of tasks collectively, posing as newlyweds.

Song was most recently seen in Queen Woo (2024), an epic action drama directed by Jung Se-kyo in which, right after the demise of King Go Nam-moo (Ji Chang-wook), the tribes he led engage in a bloody battle. Jeon Jong-seo’s Queen Woo-hee, who weds the late king’s brother to hold onto her position of power, becomes its primary target. Song portrays Go Pae-ui, a deposed prince, in the narrative. 

Previously, he’s also been featured in web series like How to Be Thirty (2021), Work Later, Drink Now (2021), and All That We Loved (2023), while also making appearances in music videos including 2NE1’s “Go Away” (2010), Kara’s “Runaway” (2013), BoA’s “Message,” and more, as well as in the musical La Rose De Versailles.