Former model Song Jae-lim, known for his face on billboards in South Korea after becoming a name in K-dramas, was found dead in the capital of Seoul on Tuesday. He was 39 years old.
Song’s body was found in his apartment by a friend who intended to have lunch with him that day, the Seoul Seongdong police said. There is no evidence of foul play at the scene, a police official told USAToayworld, and a note was found in the apartment.
Our preliminary investigation till now, has not seen any indications of criminal activities, said police to USAToayworld. As the family never wished for an autopsy, we will hand over the dead body to the family’s custody, police added that they would investigate into the cause of death according to procedure.
Song Son began his career in films with the 2009 film “Actresses” which released in the year 1985.
He became a household name after acting as a royal guard in the 2012 historical drama “Moon Embracing the Sun,” and rose to stardom after being a guest on the reality show “We Got Married.” His last act was in the musical “La Rose De Versailles,” which he will end on October.
Comments are not allowed on the account, but two selfies posted in January on Song’s Instagram account have achieved more than 61,000 likes.
“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 said along with a photo taken with Song, posted on Instagram.
Actor Hong Seok-cheon wrote: “I’m sad that I can’t see your wonderful smile again… I’m so sorry, rest in peace.”
While the entertainment industry goes all out to make the public happy, tragic incidents of K-pop idols and K-drama stars have once again thrown up questions on mental health and pressures in South Korea.
Last year, former member of boy band ASTRO Moon bin passed away at the age of 25. K-pop idol and actress Sulli was 25 when she died in 2019. Two years before Sulli’s death, the body of boyband SHINee’s Kim Jong-hyun was found in his residence, when he was just 27 years old.
Entertainment agencies have implemented various mental health support systems, including counseling services and flexible schedules.
However, observers note that the fierily competitive nature of K-entertainment, combined with the scrutiny of viewers and expectations of perfection in both appearance and behavior, are affecting the stars.
