South Korean actor Song Jae-Rim, best known for his roles in hit K-dramas, was found dead in his Seoul apartment on Tuesday at the age of 39, according to Seoul’s Seongdong Police.
His body was discovered by a friend who had planned to meet him for lunch. A note was found in his apartment, and police confirmed there was no evidence of foul play. Following the family’s wishes, an autopsy will not be conducted, but officials will continue investigating as per standard procedures.
Song Jae-Rim began his career in entertainment in 2009 with a role in the film Actresses. He later gained fame for his portrayal of a royal guard in the popular historical drama Moon Embracing the Sun and appeared on the reality show We Got Married, which expanded his fanbase. His final performance was in the musical La Rose De Versailles, which concluded in October.
Song Jae-Rim’s death is the latest in a string of losses that have raised concerns about mental health pressures in South Korea’s entertainment industry. Last year, ASTRO boy band member Moonbin was found dead at age 25. In 2019, K-pop star and actress Sulli also died at 25, and two years prior, SHINee member Kim Jong-hyun passed away at 27.
These tragedies have highlighted the challenges faced by celebrities in South Korea, where intense competition, high expectations for physical appearance, and unrelenting public scrutiny contribute to the mental strain.
Although entertainment agencies have introduced mental health support, such as counseling and more flexible schedules, industry experts note that these measures may be insufficient in addressing the pressures that celebrities face.
Fans recently engaged with Song’s last Instagram posts, two selfies shared in January, which have since garnered over 61,000 likes. Comments on his posts remain disabled. His death is a somber reminder of the mental health struggles that continue to affect South Korea’s entertainment industry.