Song Young-kyu was a respected South Korean actor whose career spanned over three decades, from the theater stage to blockbuster films and major television dramas. Known for his powerful screen presence and deep voice, he often portrayed commanding figures—from police chiefs to business executives. Following his tragic death in August 2025, fans have sought to better understand his legacy—not only as an actor but also as a person.
In this biography, we explore Song Young-kyu’s net worth, age, height, family background, career milestones, and lasting impact on Korean entertainment.
Early Life and Education
Song Young-kyu was born on April 18, 1970, in South Korea. Not much is publicly known about his childhood or early education, as the actor preferred to keep his personal life out of the spotlight. He reportedly studied theater and began his professional acting career in the early 1990s.
Age and Height
At the time of his death in August 2025, Song Young-kyu was 55 years old. According to actor profiles, he stood approximately 183 cm (6 feet) tall and weighed around 70–75 kg (154–165 lbs). His tall, slender build made him a strong fit for authoritative and professional roles on screen.
Song Young-kyu Net Worth in 2025
Although exact financial records are private, Song Young-kyu’s net worth was estimated to be between $2 million and $3 million at the time of his passing.
This estimate is based on:
- Over 30 years in the entertainment industry
- Supporting roles in blockbuster films like Extreme Job (2019)
- Appearances in hit dramas including Vincenzo, Big Bet, Narco-Saints, The Veil, and others
- Theater performances and occasional endorsements
While he was not a leading actor in commercial advertising, Song’s steady presence across Korean film, TV, and stage provided him with a consistent and respectable income.
Career Highlights in Film, TV, and Theater
Song Young-kyu made his acting debut in the 1994 children’s musical Merutal Dosa. He spent much of his early career on the stage, building a reputation as a skilled and versatile performer. His theater background helped shape the discipline and expressiveness he brought to his screen roles.
Notable Film Appearances:
- Extreme Job (2019) – Played Chief Choi in the record-breaking comedy film, widely recognized as one of South Korea’s highest-grossing movies.
- Inside Men, The Himalayas, and other crime or political dramas where his character acting shined.
Popular Television Roles:
- Vincenzo (2021) – Appeared as a powerful business figure involved in legal corruption.
- Big Bet (2022–2023) – Played an intelligence officer in the gambling crime thriller.
- Narco-Saints (2022) – Featured in a Netflix hit centered on drug cartels and covert operations.
- The Veil, Through the Darkness, and The Winning Try – Cast as detectives, politicians, or high-ranking officials.
He was especially valued for supporting roles that required subtle authority, gravitas, and emotional depth.
Personal Life and Family
Song Young-kyu was married to Gom Min-jeong, a professional dancer. The couple kept a low profile and rarely discussed their relationship publicly. They were known to have dated for around eight years before tying the knot.
There is no public information about children, and Song largely kept his private life away from media attention. Friends and colleagues described him as humble, respectful, and dedicated to his craft.
Social Media Presence (2025)
Song Young-kyu was not highly active on social media. His Instagram account (@song.young.kyu) had around 180 followers and just under 200 posts before his death. He primarily used the platform to promote his projects or share occasional behind-the-scenes images.
Compared to other Korean celebrities, his online presence was modest—reflecting his preference for privacy and a quieter life away from the spotlight.
Scandal and Controversy
In June 2025, Song was involved in a DUI incident that made national headlines. According to police reports, he drove under the influence with a blood alcohol concentration over the legal limit of 0.08%. As a result:
- His driver’s license was revoked.
- He was referred to prosecution without detention.
- He voluntarily withdrew from the stage production Shakespeare in Love.
- Broadcasters of dramas such as The Defects and The Winning Try announced plans to edit or reduce his appearances.
This marked a difficult period in Song’s career. Media outlets reported that he was distressed by the online backlash and scrutiny that followed the incident. While his agency requested privacy, many insiders later described the environment as “deeply unfavorable” for him during his final weeks.
Death and Public Reaction
On August 4, 2025, Song Young-kyu was found dead inside his car in Yongin, south of Seoul, at around 8:00 AM. Police ruled out foul play and confirmed no suicide note was found. As of early August, the official cause of death has not been confirmed, though many suspect psychological stress played a significant role.
His death sparked an outpouring of grief from fans, fellow actors, and the wider Korean entertainment community. Tributes emphasized his professionalism, mentorship to younger actors, and the impact he had on Korean storytelling.
Legacy and Industry Impact
Song Young-kyu may not have been a household name internationally, but within South Korea, he was regarded as a reliable and respected “scene-stealer.” His acting style combined restraint with power—often commanding attention in quiet, meaningful ways.
Directors, producers, and co-stars consistently praised his discipline and emotional intelligence. His sudden passing raised deeper questions about mental health, public pressure, and the toll of media scrutiny on artists.
Summary Table
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Song Young-kyu |
| Date of Birth | April 18, 1970 |
| Date of Death | August 4, 2025 |
| Age | 55 |
| Height | 183 cm (6 ft) |
| Nationality | South Korean |
| Spouse | Gom Min-jeong |
| Estimated Net Worth | $2–3 million (unconfirmed) |
| Known For | Extreme Job, Vincenzo, Big Bet |
| Social Media | Instagram: @song.young.kyu (~180 followers) |
FAQs About Song Young-kyu
How old was Song Young-kyu?
He was 55 years old at the time of his death in 2025.
What was Song Young-kyu’s net worth?
Estimates place his net worth between $2 million and $3 million, though no official data has been released.
Was Song Young-kyu married?
Yes, he was married to professional dancer Gom Min-jeong.
What was his most famous role?
He was best known internationally for his role as Chief Choi in Extreme Job.
How did Song Young-kyu die?
He was found dead in his car. Police confirmed no foul play, and no suicide note was discovered. The cause of death remains under investigation.
Final Thoughts
Song Young-kyu’s career is a testament to the power of consistency, professionalism, and character-driven acting. Though he lived a quiet personal life, his work spoke volumes—leaving a lasting impression on Korean film, television, and theater. In a world often drawn to celebrity, Song Young-kyu reminded us of the quiet dignity found in doing your craft with care.
He may be gone, but his legacy lives on in every scene he elevated.