South Korean actor Song Jae-lim has died at the age of 39

Seoul, South Korea
CNN
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South Korean actor Song Jae-lim, a former model who rose to fame in K-dramas, was found dead in Seoul on Tuesday. He was 39.

According to Seoul Seongdong Police, Song’s body was found in his apartment by a friend, who had planned to have lunch with him that day. A police official told CNN that no evidence of foul play was found at the scene and that a note was discovered in the apartment.

“Our initial investigation to date has revealed no signs of criminal activity,” police told CNN. “Since the family did not want an autopsy, we will proceed with the transfer of the deceased to the custody of his family.” Police added that they will investigate the cause of death according to standard procedures.

Born in 1985, Song started his entertainment career with the 2009 film ‘Actresses’.

He gained wide recognition for his portrayal of a royal guard in the 2012 historical drama “Moon Embracing the Sun,” and gained further fame with an appearance on the reality show “We Got Married.” His last appearance was in the musical ‘La Rose De Versailles’, which ended in October.

The latest posts on Song’s Instagram accounttwo selfies shared in January have amassed more than 61,000 likes. Comments are disabled for the account.

South Korean stars paid tribute to Song following the news of his death.

“This is crazy… Jae-lim… you were such a cheerful guy… I can’t believe this. I’m so sorry for not contacting you or taking care of you enough,” actor Park Ho-san said next to a photo taken with Song posted on Instagram.

In another Instagram post, actor Hong Seok Cheon said, “I’m sad I can’t see your beautiful smile anymore… I’m so sorry, rest in peace.”

The recent deaths of K-pop idols And K-drama stars have highlighted ongoing mental health concerns and industrial pressure in South Korea’s entertainment industry.

ASTRO boy band member Moon bin died last year at the age of 25. K-pop singer and actress Sulli was also 25 when she died in 2019. And two years earlier, boy band Kim Jong Hyun of SHINee was found dead in his home at the age of 27.

Entertainment agencies have implemented various mental health systems, including counseling services and more flexible schedules, but observers say the highly competitive nature of K-entertainment, combined with intense public scrutiny and expectations of perfection in appearance and behavior, is impacting stars.