South Korean actor Song Jae-lim, known for his roles in popular K-dramas and his early career as a model, was found dead in his apartment in Seoul on Tuesday. He was 39 years old.
Discovery and Investigation
Seoul’s Seongdong police reported that Song was discovered by a friend who had planned to meet him for lunch that day. Authorities confirmed that there were no signs of foul play, and a note was found in his apartment. A police officer told CNN, “Our investigation so far shows no signs of criminal activity. Since the family did not want an autopsy, we will transfer the deceased to his family.” The investigation will continue according to standard procedures.
Career Highlights
Born in 1985, Song Jae-lim began his career in the entertainment industry with the 2009 movie Actresses. He gained widespread recognition for his role as a royal guard in the 2012 historical drama Moon Embracing the Sun, and his popularity grew further with his appearance on the reality show We Got Married. His final performance was in the musical La Rose De Versailles, which concluded in October.
Social Media and Tributes
Song’s last Instagram posts were two selfies shared in January, which have since received over 61,000 likes. Comments on his account have been disabled, and fans have expressed their grief through other means.
After the news of his death, many South Korean celebrities paid tribute to Song. Actor Park Ho-san shared a heartfelt message on Instagram, saying, “This is crazy… Jae-lim… you were always so cheerful… I can’t believe this. I’m so sorry for not contacting you or caring for you enough,” along with a photo of them together. Actor Hong Seok-cheon also shared his condolences, writing, “I’m sad that I can’t see your wonderful smile again… I’m so sorry, rest in peace.”
Mental Health Concerns in the Entertainment Industry
Song Jae-lim’s death is a reminder of the mental health challenges faced by many in South Korea’s entertainment industry. In recent years, there have been several tragic losses, including ASTRO boy band member Moon Bin at age 25, actress and singer Sulli in 2019, and SHINee’s Kim Jong-hyun in 2017.
Entertainment agencies have made efforts to support their artists by offering counseling services and more flexible schedules. However, the tough competition, constant public attention, and pressure to maintain a perfect image continue to take a toll on many performers. Song Jae-lim’s passing is yet another reminder of the need for greater awareness and compassion for those struggling under the spotlight.