South Korean actor Song Jae Lim, who commanded worldwide fan following for his powerful performances across various television series and variety shows, was found dead in his Seoul home at the age of 39.
The actor, best known for his breakout role in the acclaimed 2012 K-drama “The Moon Embracing the Sun”, left behind a cryptic note hinting at massive pressure on entertainment industry performers.
According to the BBC, the note was uncovered at the scene on Tuesday and the police stated that there was no foul play behind his death.
Though the details of the note have not been made public, the actor’s passing has reignited conversations surrounding the intense pressures faced by celebrities in South Korea’s high-stakes entertainment industry.
Among his notable works is him playing a cold-blooded assassin in “Two Weeks”. He shot to fame after appearing in the fourth season of “We Got Married” with Kim So-eun and the 2016 series “Our Gap Soon”, where he co-starred with actress Yoo Sun.
His worldwide fans and co-stars have flooded their social media handles to pay their last homage.
Fellow actor Yoo Sun, who worked alongside Song in the 2016 series “Our Gap Soon”, posted a photo of them together on Instagram with the caption: “It’s too sad, it hurts so much… May you find peace and rest.”
Another actor, Park Ho San said in an Instagram post: “Since you were always so cheerful, it’s hard to believe [the news].”
The actor’s family has requested privacy and announced plans for a small, private funeral attended by close relatives.
Song’s death adds to a growing list of tragic losses within the South Korean entertainment industry, which has seen the recent deaths of other prominent figures such as “Parasite” actor Lee Sun-kyun and K-pop stars Moonbin, Goo Hara, and Sulli.
