South Korean actor Song Jae-lim, known for his memorable roles in K-dramas and as a former model, was found dead at the age of 39 in his Seoul apartment on Tuesday. Song's body was discovered by a friend with whom he had plans for lunch that day, according to the Seoul Seongdong police. Authorities reported no evidence of foul play, but a note was found at the scene.
"Our initial investigation so far has revealed no signs of criminal activity," a police official told CNN. "Since the family did not want an autopsy, we will proceed with transferring the deceased to his family's custody." While details of the note's contents have not been disclosed, authorities have indicated that they will continue to investigate the cause of death following standard procedures.
Born in 1985, Song began his entertainment career with the 2009 film "Actresses." His breakout role came in 2012 when he portrayed a royal guard in the hit historical drama "Moon Embracing the Sun," which catapulted him to fame. Song's popularity grew further with his appearance on the reality show "We Got Married," where his on-screen chemistry with actress Kim So-eun charmed viewers. His final stage appearance was in the musical "La Rose De Versailles," which concluded in October.
News of Song's passing has sent shockwaves through South Korea's entertainment industry, with fellow actors and fans expressing their grief. Actor Park Ho-san took to Instagram, posting a heartfelt message alongside a photo of the two of them together. "This is mad... Jae-lim... you were such a cheerful guy... I can't believe this. I'm so sorry for not contacting you or caring for you enough," he wrote. Actor Hong Seok-cheon shared his condolences, adding, "I'm sad that I can't see your wonderful smile again. Rest in peace."
Song's presence extended beyond television and film. His final film project, an action-comedy directed by Yang Tae-jin titled "Get Rich," recently completed post-production. The loss of such a vibrant talent has left colleagues, fans, and friends in deep mourning.
Fans have also paid tribute to Song on social media, despite comments being disabled on his Instagram account. His last post, a mirror selfie from January with a simple "" caption, has garnered over 61,000 likes. The image has now taken on a poignant resonance for many admirers.
Song Jae-lim's death is the latest in a series of tragic losses within South Korea's entertainment community, which has faced increasing scrutiny over mental health issues and the pressures of fame. South Korean stars, known for their grueling schedules and intense public scrutiny, have occasionally spoken out about the difficulties of maintaining mental well-being in such an environment.
