Song Young Kyu Wikipedia, Biography, Age, Cause of Death, Drama List, Wife, Children, Movies, TV Shows, Family

Age, Hometown, Family, and Education

Song Young‑kyu was born on April 18, 1970, in South Korea. At the time of his death, he was 55 years old. While his specific hometown was not disclosed publicly, he was widely believed to be based in Gyeonggi Province, where he was later found deceased. Song never spoke much about his parents or siblings, choosing to keep his family life out of the spotlight throughout his decades-long career.

Information on his educational background remains limited. There is no public record of whether he pursued higher education in performing arts or related fields. However, his professional theatre debut in 1994 suggests he may have trained through regional theatre circles or performance programs, earning respect for his work ethic and emotive power on stage and screen.

Early Life and Acting Debut

Song made his debut in the children’s musical Merutal Dosa in 1994. This marked the beginning of his professional career, where he quickly became a fixture in the theatre world. His early roles may not have been glamorous, but they were critical in shaping his understanding of dramatic structure, timing, and emotional delivery. Over time, his grounded performances attracted the attention of casting directors in television and film.

For years, he remained a regular in Korean theatre productions before fully transitioning into television and film. While his name may not have been a household one, his presence became unmistakable—often appearing as that actor who elevated every scene without overshadowing his co-stars.

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Career: Television and Film

Song Young‑kyu’s career can be best described as prolific and powerful in its subtlety. He had a way of anchoring every production he was in. His strength was in support—filling roles that needed depth, moral clarity, or sometimes comic timing without becoming caricatures.

In television, Song amassed dozens of roles. These included guest appearances and multi-episode arcs that made a strong impression. His credits include Voice, Hyena, Partners for Justice, Stove League, Undercover, and Agency. In the 2020s, his face became even more familiar with appearances in Narco-Saints, Big Bet, and Casino. These series, particularly through streaming platforms, introduced him to an international audience.

In film, Song was perhaps best known for Extreme Job (2019), the mega box-office success in which he portrayed Chief Detective Choi. The movie became the second highest-grossing Korean film of all time. His role, while not central, left a strong impression with both comedic and serious beats. Other films include Baseball Girl, The Himalayas, Toxic, and Tomb of the River. These roles reinforced his ability to take small parts and turn them into essential components of the narrative.

As of 2025, he had taken roles in The Winning Try and The Defects. In The Winning Try, he played Coach Kim Min-Joong, a stern but caring figure to the Daesang High School rugby team. In The Defects, he played Pastor Yoon Se-Hoon. Tragically, both dramas had to adjust or reduce his role due to his unexpected passing.

Net Worth

There is no confirmed figure available for Song Young‑kyu’s net worth. As a character actor, rather than a marquee lead or celebrity figure, Song earned his livelihood from steady work over the decades. While he may not have commanded the top-tier salaries of Korean drama stars, his consistent output, especially in blockbuster films and Netflix-backed series, likely ensured a comfortable income. However, no verifiable financial data is publicly available.

Personal Life: Wife and Children

Song was a private individual who seldom appeared in gossip columns or tabloid headlines. He was known to be married and had two daughters. His family remained out of the public spotlight, and he never discussed them in interviews or press engagements. Friends and colleagues described him as soft-spoken, respectful, and deeply committed to his work. He was someone who took his craft seriously without demanding attention or accolades.

His decision to shield his family from public scrutiny was likely intentional, and it contributed to the mystery and dignity surrounding his public persona. After his death, it was his wife who confirmed his passing to local media and arranged his funeral in a private ceremony attended by family and close friends.

Death and Circumstances

On the morning of August 4, 2025, Song Young‑kyu was found dead inside a parked vehicle in Cheoin-gu, Yongin, Gyeonggi Province. A friend discovered him around 8 a.m. and notified authorities. No suicide note was found, and initial police reports confirmed that there were no signs of foul play. An autopsy was being considered, but the preliminary assessment ruled the death as non-suspicious.

This heartbreaking discovery came just weeks after Song was involved in a DUI incident. On June 19, he drove about 5 kilometers under the influence of alcohol in his local area. His blood alcohol concentration was high enough for license revocation. He was prosecuted without detention, but the scandal drew widespread criticism online.

As a result, he stepped down from the stage production of Shakespeare in Love, and the broadcast networks airing The Winning Try and The Defects began re-editing his appearances. The emotional toll of public backlash is believed to have weighed heavily on him. Close sources indicated that Song had expressed distress over the scandal and the potential impact on his family and career.

Conclusion

Song Young‑kyu’s story is that of an actor who quietly defined what it means to be essential without being central. From his stage roots in 1994 to his final screen roles in 2025, he was a master of presence—a performer who could shift a scene’s tone with a glance or a line delivered just right. His sudden passing at age 55 is both a personal and cultural tragedy, reminding us that even the most composed faces can carry unseen burdens.

He leaves behind a wife, two daughters, and a body of work that stands as testament to his integrity, talent, and enduring impact on the Korean entertainment industry.

FAQs 

When was Song Young‑kyu born?

• April 18, 1970.

How old was Song Young‑kyu when he passed away?

• He was 55 years old.

What is Song Young‑kyu best known for?

• He’s best known for his role as Chief Detective Choi in Extreme Job and supporting roles in Narco-Saints, Big Bet, and Voice.

When did Song Young‑kyu pass away?

• August 4, 2025.

Where was he found dead?

• Inside a parked vehicle in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province.

Was foul play involved in his death?

• No. Police reported no signs of foul play.

What scandal was he involved in before his death?

• A DUI case from June 2025 where he drove under the influence and faced legal consequences.

Did Song Young‑kyu have a family?

• Yes, he was married and had two daughters.

What was his last project before death?

• TV dramas The Winning Try and The Defects were his final projects.